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Mathare United are a point away from returning to the Kenyan Premier League after just a season in the National Super League.
On Friday, the 2008 KPL champions beat Nairobi United 3-2 win at the Mpesa Foundation grounds in Thika.
The morning fixture seemed to have gone Nairobi United’s way after a 2-0 halftime lead. Isaac Omweri hit the opener after seven minutes and Rodgers Angal tapped in the second two minutes to the break.
The Slum Boys corrected their mistakes from the first half to pin down Edwin Mwaura’s charges in the second.
As he is known for his tactical prowess, Francis Kimanzi rung changes as the half started as experienced Elly Asieche replaced Boaz Maeri.
Asieche helped stabilise the Mathare midfield and they slowly started to grow into the game.
However, he did not last. He was replaced by Timothy Otieno after coming off the worst following a collision with a Nairobi United defender.
Mathare thought they were back in the game but Meshack Otieno’s goal in the 52nd minute was ruled out for offside.
Steve Njuge made a crucial save in the 73rd minute to deny Omweri his second of the day before Paul Were scored to reduce the deficit.
Were, who spent the better part of the first half on the left flank, switched to the right. His dribbling skills helped him torment his markers. He combined with Starlon Odhiambo, who cleverly set him as Mathare launched a comeback.
In the 80th minute, Were burst through the Nairobi United defence, only to be brought down by keeper Ernest Mohamed inside the box. Were calmly dispatched the spot kick to level matters at 2-2.
Substitute Paul Kinyanjui scored Mathare’s winner deep into stoppage time to send the travelling fans led by Patron, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, founder Bob Munro and club CEO Charles Obure into a frenzy.
Were said: “We did not panic when we were down. We knew, tactically, we were going to get it right. The substitutions in the second half made it easy for us.”
“In the first half, they overloaded the left side with three players marking me. We had to act fast. Moving to the right side allowed me to cut in and trouble the defenders — it’s what I like to do.”
Mathare have 74 points from 35 matches, having played one more than leaders Mara Sugar, who have 75 points.
Mathare face Darajani Gogo at Dandora Stadium on June 14, where a win will guarantee them a slot in next season’s KPL.
BY THE STAR