Mathare United were subject to a humbling 3-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Leopards in Dandora on Wednesday.
Mathare United coach John ‘Guardiola’ Kamau has explained his charges’ embarrassing defeat to AFC Leopards as the Slum Boys lost 3-1 in an FKFPL clash that took place at the Dandora Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Ingwe ran riot courtesy of goals from Kayci Odhiambo, Christopher Koloti, and Ronald Sichenje, while John Nyawir netted a late consolation for the Slum Boys.
Ambani’s men dominated the encounter from the onset. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Odhiambo coolly slotted home after a deflected free-kick landed kindly for him. Moments later, Koloti doubled the advantage, capping off a slick move orchestrated by Brian Wanyama and Sichenje.
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Leopards’ control extended into the second half, with Sichenje putting the result beyond doubt with a blistering solo goal—gliding past his marker and rifling the ball into the bottom corner. The team also observed a quiet tribute to their late Secretary General, Gilbert Andugu, following the opening goal.
Despite promising moments from Mathare’s Brian Ouru and Donald Ange, they failed to capitalize on their chances. Nyawir's stoppage-time strike merely served to reduce the deficit.
Kamau: We Were Not Creative Enough
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Speaking after the match, Kamau lambasted Mathare United’s inefficient build up play from the back and the lack of creativity as two reasons behind his charges’ loss to Fred Ambani’s side.
“I think one point that I can pick from the game is it has presented us with some learning moments and especially for the young boys but also we didn't dominate the way we do dominate through possession, and we struggled in the first half building from the back," Kamau said.
Kamau highlighted how repeated turnovers in midfield and an underwhelming performance from his wing backs left the team disjointed and vulnerable against Fred Ambani’s high-flying Leopards.
“ I think we lost so many balls in the midfield and also in terms of our wing backs.”
“They played so much into their task, so we didn't get into the function. And I think with that, it was very evident we needed more creative players. “
Kamau: Postponing Mashemeji Derby Last Weekend Favored Leopards
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The Mathare boss also suggested that fixture scheduling played a part in their underwhelming display, especially in comparison to Leopards, who had more time to prepare after their weekend derby against Gor Mahia was postponed.
“ Because again, we are playing with a team that was supposed to play a derby over the weekend. And we had a match on Saturday. It's so unfortunate that we also lost the match. But the most important thing is to focus on what we are doing.
“Of course, when your opponent has more time, especially at this particular point of the league, where fatigue is almost taking over the players, I think they have another advantage. I think because they come into the game more refreshed.”
Despite the loss, Kamau remains focused on the bigger picture, seeing the match as a valuable learning experience for his youthful squad.
However, with fatigue setting in and creativity lacking, the Slum Boys will need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back in their next outing.
The win pushes AFC Leopards to sixth place on 45 points, keeping their top-four hopes alive. Mathare, meanwhile, remain 11th and under pressure to secure safety with only three matches left.
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