In-form APS Bomet FC moved five points clear of the relegation zone as they continued their remarkable resurgence with a convincing 2-0 victory over Mathare United in a crucial SportPesa League clash staged at Kasarani Annex on Sunday afternoon.
Coming into the match, coach Sammy Omollo and his charges were enjoying a rich vein of form, having collected four wins and a draw from their last five matches. Sitting on 34 points before kick-off and only four points above the relegation zone, the Bomet-based side knew another positive result would significantly strengthen their survival bid with only three matches left to play.
On the other hand, John Kamau’s Mathare United arrived under pressure after managing just one victory in their previous five outings. The “Slum Boys” had picked up two draws and suffered two defeats during that spell, leaving them only a point above APS Bomet before the encounter.
APS Bomet cruise past Mathare United to boost survival hopes
Coach Kamau made three changes to the side that had played out a 2-2 draw against Sofapaka, recalling captain Brian Ochieng’ from suspension while Brian Ouru and Benson Shikutwa were also handed starting roles. Pamzo, meanwhile, made two alterations from the team that edged KCB FC 1-0, with Sydney and Philemon Nyakwaka earning starting berths.
Mathare United started brightly and looked the more dangerous side in the opening exchanges. Hillary Kiprotich tested Maxwell Mulili in the seventh minute, though the APS Bomet goalkeeper dealt comfortably with the effort.
The hosts came even closer in the 18th minute after John Makwatta showed determination to win possession high up the pitch before laying the ball into the path of Omweri, whose powerful strike rattled the upright in what became the best chance of the game at that point.
However, APS Bomet responded almost immediately. A minute later, striker Philemon Nyakwaka found himself through on goal in a one-on-one situation but failed to capitalize.
Despite Mathare’s dominance in possession, APS Bomet struck against the run of play in the 27th minute when skipper Philip Wasai rose to the occasion to slot home and silence the home supporters.
Mathare pushed numbers forward in search of an equalizer, but the APS Bomet backline marshalled by Buleti and Edward Masembe stood firm, clearing every dangerous delivery that came into their box.
Wasai nearly doubled the lead moments before halftime, but Mathare goalkeeper Kevin Ouru produced a fine save to deny the captain and keep the score at 1-0 heading into the break.
Mathare introduced striker Michael Oduor for defender Benson Shikutwa before the second half resumed as coach Kamau sought more attacking presence upfront.
APS Bomet nearly punished the hosts again in the 50th minute when Nyakwaka made another brilliant run behind the defence, only to hesitate in front of goal after finding himself one-on-one with Kevin Ouru for the second time in the match.
Mathare continued to search for a breakthrough and almost found one in the 56th minute when Ian Omondi whipped in a dangerous corner delivery, but the effort narrowly missed the target.
Another golden chance arrived in the 66th minute after a deflected shot fell kindly for Michael Oduor inside the area, but the forward ran out of space and Maxwell Mulili gathered comfortably.
The visitors eventually sealed the victory with a beautifully worked team goal. APS Bomet built patiently from midfield before Omondi released Festus Kipkemoi, who burst past his marker with pace before unleashing a stunning 21-yard finesse strike into the back of the net to double the advantage.
APS Bomet then professionally managed the closing stages, with their disciplined defence securing a seventh consecutive clean sheet and a fifth straight victory.
The important win moves Pamzo’s men to 37 points and up to 12th place in the SportPesa League standings, opening a five-point gap above the relegation zone with three matches remaining. For Mathare United, the defeat leaves them dragged deeper into the survival battle heading into the final stretch of the season.
Elsewhere, Kariobangi Sharks FC also collected three vital points at the Police Sacco Stadium after beating Nairobi United FC 2-0, moving further away from the relegation zone.
Humphrey Aroko and Stephen Mbulere scored the decisive goals to lift the Sharks to 14th place on the table with 33 points, one above relegation-threatened Ulinzi Stars FC.
Starting Lineups
- Mathare United FC:: Kevin Ouru (GK), Kiprotich, Shikutwa, Omondi, Atano, Brian Ochieng’ (C), Kilume, Brian Ouru, Omweri, Nyawir, John Makwatta.
- APS Bomet FC: Maxwell Mulili (GK), Buleti, Edward Masembe, Odhiambo, Mandela, Kubasu, Omondi, Sydney, Festus Kipkemoi, Philip Wasai (C), Philemon Nyakwaka.