- Mathare United edged KCB 0-1 in their 2025/26 SportPesa League Matchweek Two clash on Friday, September 26.
- The match was played at the Kasarani Annex under rainy conditions.
- Captain Ellie Asieche scored the decisive goal with a brilliant free-kick, earning John Kamau’s side their first three points of the season.
Elli Asieche struck a stunning free-kick to hand Mathare United their maiden victory of the season, edging KCB 0-1 in a rain-soaked clash at the Kasarani Annex on Friday afternoon.
The John Kamau-led side entered the contest carrying a 2-1 defeat from their SportPesa League opener against Posta Rangers on Monday and were desperate for a victory to secure their first points of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Robert Matano’s squad was seeking a second consecutive win after a 2-1 victory against Tusker FC in their opener last Friday.
However, after spurning their opportunities in the first half, Asieche’s strike condemned them to a loss, marking the first defeat for Matano in his inaugural season tenure.
In a second half deluge at Kasarani, the first 15 minutes of the first half saw both teams evenly matched.
The Bankers crafted more promising chances but lacked the finishing touch to break the deadlock, leaving the encounter tightly contested.
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Jack Onganya came close to giving the Robert Matano charges the lead in the 24th minute with a powerful strike from just outside the area, but his effort sailed over the bar. KCB maintained their offensive pressure, yet Mathare’s defense stood resolute.
After 40 minutes of stalemate, the Slum Boys who had not been dominating, finally seized their opportunity in the 41st minute.
Captain Elli Asieche broke the deadlock with a superb free-kick, won by Herit Mungai on the left wing.
Asieche expertly curled the ball inside the post, leaving KCB goalkeeper Bonphas Munyasa, who had been largely untested, grasping at air as it nestled in the net, giving Mathare the lead before the break.
Just before halftime, December Kisakah attempted a long-range effort for KCB that narrowly missed Kevin Orui’s goal. While KCB headed into the interval ruing their missed chances, Mathare had been clinical with their single clear opportunity.
The hosts emerged for the second half determined to find an immediate equalizer. Five minutes in, Kevin Etemesi nearly leveled the score with a header that confused Orui, struck the woodwork, and was cleared as the rain continued to fall.
Ouru was tested again minutes later when Boniface Omondi, seeking his third goal of the season, unleashed a powerful shot toward the right corner, only for the keeper to punch it away for an inconsequential corner. Omondi was subsequently substituted in the 54th minute for Rowland Makati.
KCB continued to push for an equalizer but struggled to breach a disciplined Mathare defense. In the end, Mathare held firm to claim all three points, extending their unbeaten run against KCB since last season.
KCB vs Mathare United Sportpesa League Line-ups
KCB: Bonphas Munyasa, Masoud Fadhili, Josephat Andafu, Amatton Samunya, Clyde Senanje, Jack Onganya, Boniface Omondi, Humphrey Mieno, Kelvin Etemesi, Richard Omondi, December Kisakah.
Mathare United: Kevin Orui, Sammy Imbuye, Herit Mungai, Ian Omondi, Francis Kayugi, Brian Ochieng, Jacob Onyango, Brian Orui, Paul Kinyanjui, John Nyawir, Elli Asieche (C).