- Mathare United defeated Ulinzi Stars 1-0 on Saturday, May 17, at Dandora Stadium to strengthen their spot in the FKF Premier League for next season.
- Musa Masika was the standout performer, scoring his fifth goal for the club and sixth of the season, as Mathare moved up to 10th place with 40 points.
- Meanwhile, Ulinzi Stars, previously on a six-match unbeaten run, slipped to 11th place with 37 points
Mathare United’s hopes of surviving the league next season received a significant lift on Saturday, May 17, as Musa Masika’s second-half strike edged out Ulinzi Stars, ending their six-match unbeaten streak at Dandora Stadium.
Masika, scoring his fifth goal for the club and his sixth of the season, ensured the Slum Boys claimed all three points, elevating them to 10th place in the standings with 40 points eight clear of the relegation playoff zone currently occupied by Murang’a SEAL in 16th place with 32 points.
Now, Mathare will be hoping that their rivals drop points in upcoming fixtures as they aim to secure at least a point in their remaining two matches against Bandari and Nairobi City Stars to cement a safe finish.
Meanwhile, Ulinzi Stars previously on a six-match positive run slipped to 11th place with 37 points.
Despite a seven-point cushion, they are just five points ahead of SEAL, who still have three games in hand, placing Ulinzi in a danger position.
Coach Danstun Nyaudo’s side will now be in search of crucial points in their final two matches against in-form Gor Mahia and Shabana. They’ll also be relying on results elsewhere to go in their favor.
In Dandora, the game kicked off with Mathare dominating early proceedings. Paul Kinyanjui and Musa Masika, both handed starting roles by Coach Kamau, squandered two clear-cut chances each that could have changed the complexion of the match.
Ulinzi responded in the 18th minute through a swift counterattack by Issa Lumumba, who released Boniface Muchiri on the left flank. Despite a promising run, Muchiri’s final effort was thwarted by the alert Mathare defense.
Although Ulinzi had opportunities through Oscar Wamalwa, he failed to capitalize, and the first half concluded in a stalemate, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock.
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The second half began with Mathare continuing their momentum.
John Nyawir delivered a pinpoint pass to Donald Ange in the area, who showcased fine technique to unleash a shot with his weaker left foot, forcing Ulinzi goalkeeper Sylvain Ricks into a superb save.
Moments later, Coach Nyaudo made his first substitution, bringing in rising talent Javan to replace Wamalwa in an effort to bolster Ulinzi’s attacking force.
The change nearly paid dividends as Omondi crafted a golden opportunity, but his decision to shoot with the wrong foot saw the ball drift wide of the target.
Kamau responded with a double substitution, introducing Brian Ouru and Elli Asieche in place of Kinyanjui and Ange to reinvigorate the midfield.
With renewed energy, Mathare finally broke the deadlock. After a well-constructed move, Masika latched onto a clever pass initially set up by Ouru, who cleverly avoided an offside trap and delivered a clinical finish from the right wing, leaving Ricks with no chance.
Despite both teams making further tactical changes, Ulinzi failed to break down Mathare’s resilient defense.
The hosts also missed opportunities to add a second or third, but held on to claim three vital points that could define their top-flight future.
Mathare United vs Ulinzi Stars team line-ups
Mathare United: Mboya, Imbuye, Nyawir, Omondi, Kayugi, Asiango, Ochieng, Kilume, Masika, Kinyanjui, Ange
Ulinzi Stars: Ricks, Otieno, Shaib, Samunya, Oduor, Ochieng, Muteheli, Lumumba, Wamalwa, Shambi, Muchiri
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