NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 – Daniel Okoth Otieno struck an 83rd minute winner as relegation threatened Mathare United earned a morale-boosting 2-1 win over record league champions Gor Mahia in a mid-week league tie at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Wednesday afternoon.
The slum boys have long earned a reputation as K’Ogalo’s bogey team and the latter’s worst nightmare became reality when Douglas Kibet gave Mathare the lead in the ninth minute.
It was a case of right-place-right-time for Kibet, diving to head into the net after a Chris Owino attempt hit the woodwork and bounced in his direction.
The youngster, given the nod in the starting line-up for the second time this season, could have scored a hattrick thereafter, pulling two fine saves out of Gor keeper Gad Matthews as the slum boys poured forward in search of more goals.
However, the league leaders soon recovered their bearings and started to stamp themselves in the match.
The league’s top marksman, Benson Omalla, had the chance to equalise but his goal in the 43rd minute was chalked off for offside.
The Kisumu Day High School alumnus was not to be denied though, popping up in the 65th minute to level matters.
However, history was to repeat itself as substitute Okoth stepped off the bench to grab the winner for the former league champions who continue with their renaissance after a difficult start to their campaign.
