Mathare United 2-1 Ulinzi Stars: Alwanga’s late header hands Slum Boys first win

Mathare United 2-1 Ulinzi Stars: Alwanga’s late header hands Slum Boys first win

Mathare United registered their first Kenyan Premier League (KPL) win this season after defeating visiting Ulinzi Stars 2-1 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Strikes from David Owino and Clifford Alwanga was all the Slum Boys needed to defeat their visitors who scored their consolation through Daniel Waweru.

The 2008 league champions had drawn their first two games and desperately needed a win compared to their visitors who had already bagged four points from their opening two matches.

It took the hosts less than 90 seconds to make their intentions clear as striker Clifford Alwanga almost connected Kevin Kimani’s corner.

The Soldiers’ first attempt came in the 24th-minute courtesy of Elvis Nandwa whose drive was palmed out by the goalkeeper for an unfruitful corner.

Both sides pushed for an opener in the first half, however good goalkeeping and perfect defending ensured neither of the two could get an opening goal.

The situation changed just three minutes after the restart when David Owino capitalized on defensive lapses to head home the first goal in favour of the hosts.

The goal was a wake-up call for the four-time league champions who initiated a series of attacks, however, they could not beat the ambitious Slum Boys defenders.

With a quarter of an hour to go, the Benjamin Nyangweso led side finally restored parity. They won a free-kick in a good position after Nandwa had been fouled. Daniel Waweru managed to beat the defenders and the goalkeeper.

It seemed the game was destined for a 1-1 draw until the Salim Ali-led side won a free-kick for Kimani. Alwanga rose highest to seal maximum points for his team.