KPL: Chemelil come from a goal down to beat Mathare, Sony lose to Stima

Western Stima players after loosing their KPL match against Sofapaka Fc at Mumias Sports Complex on 27 July 2014. Sofapaka won the game 1-0. By Benjamin Sakwa

Chemelil Sugar recovered from a goal down to pick maximum points after edging Mathare United 2-1 in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match played at Ruaraka Stadium, yesterday.

United scored first through Noah Abich, who slotted home a penalty in the 10th minute. Charles Odera then equalised for the sugarmillers in the 25th minute also from the spot before Dennis Onkangi scored the winner four minutes later.

The game that was poorly-handled by centre referee Agnetta Itubu as she made some doubtful calls. In the 20th minute, for example, she cautioned Abich for rough play, but instead awarded Mathare United a free kick.

In the 25th minute, she failed to award Chemelil Sugar what looked like a clear penalty after Daniel Mutai was brought down in the box.

Both coaches were furious. Chemelil Sugar coach Mike Mururi urged KPL to respect the competition by appointing competent referees.

“These are two top teams that need good officiating, otherwise, the standards of the league will be lowered ” he said. 

United coach, Stanley Okumbi, was also upset by the official’s which he said affected his players.

In Awendo, Western Stima FC beat Sony Sugar 1-0 to clinch maximum points in an exciting match at the Awendo Green Stadium.

Stima’s goal came in the 30th minute when Wesley Kemboi smashed the ball into Sony’s net after it had spilled from the hands of Sony goalkeeper Lukas Indeche.

Western played a resilient game with long overhead passes as their strategy of cutting off Sony’s defence. Sony also played well, but they could not fight any harder to salvage any points as they squandered numerous opportunities that came their way.

The millers created numerous chances, but lacked the efficiency of converting.

On several occasions, they got chances, but their strikers were wanting, as they were missing the services of veteran scorer Marwa Chamberi, who was said to be unwell.

Samwel Onyango, Robert Ouma, Edwin Oduor and Kennedy Otieno all lost many chances that they would later rue.

Stima’s Amos Asembaka missed a clear goal after shooting wide a Sylvester Wanyama’s cross.

Meanwhile, AFC Leopards coach Pieter de Jongh says his side is on the right track as they face Tusker away at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani today.

De Jongh is fired up by the team’s two wins on the trot that pushed their points tally to 29.

He thinks this will inspire the team today, since they already have the confidence.

“We have made a turn-around. The team is back on track and we believe the momentum is there to take us past Tusker,” he said.