Mathare United relinquish top spot to Naivas in thrilling top of the table clash

Mathare United surrendered top spot in the FKF National Super League after a 2-0 loss to Naivas in a match played at Ruaraka Grounds on Saturday.

The Slum Boys had been riding high on their perch at the top of the league for several weeks, brimming with confidence as they took to the field.

However, Naivas striker Francis Nambute had other plans, netting a goal in each half to bring an end to Mathare's impressive eight-match winning streak.

The game kicked off with the first real threat coming from the visitors, as Francis Nambute unleashed a thunderous header that narrowly sailed over the bar in the sixth minute.

Mathare United defender Tony Odhiambo then caught everyone by surprise with an audacious attempt from long distance, a shot that almost caught Naivas keeper Wycliff Oduor off guard, showcasing the Slum Boys' determination to assert their dominance early on.

Unfortunately for Mathare, adversity struck in the 25th minute as they were forced into a substitution.

Eric Shikono stepped in to replace the injured Tony Odhiambo, leaving a void in their defensive lineup.

Naivas took advantage of this opportunity and began to grow into the game, mounting successive crosses into the penalty area.

Steve Njung'e, Mathare's goalkeeper, was called into action, making a crucial diving save to deny one of those crosses.

In the ensuing play, Francis Nambute unleashed a powerful strike that sailed over the bar, maintaining the scoreline.

As the first half drew to a close, Naivas found the breakthrough they had been chasing in the 44th minute.

Derrick Anami rose above Mathare's defense to head in a close-range effort from Charles Omenyo's precise free-kick. The Shoppers had taken the lead, putting Mathare on the back foot.

Despite Mathare continuing to dominate possession as the match progressed, they struggled to convert their chances into goals.

Slum Boys' forward Mark Khadohi took a shot from outside the penalty area, but his effort sailed over the bar, leaving the fans yearning for an equalizer.

However, it was Naivas who controlled the game after the half-hour mark, coming close to doubling their lead after earning their third corner of the match.

The pressure was mounting on Mathare, prompting them to make three substitutions in the 64th minute. Parmenas Ochola, Elli Asieche, and Cliff Kasuti were brought on for Mark Khadohi, Christian Lubulu, and Glen Odhiambo in an attempt to change the course of the game.

Mathare found themselves camped on the edge of the Shoppers' 18-yard area with 70 minutes on the clock but lacked the cutting edge needed to breach Naivas' resilient defense.

Elli Asieche had a golden opportunity in the penalty area, only to be brought down, but the referee waved away the appeals for a penalty, much to the frustration of Mathare's faithful.

Naivas further cemented their dominance with a second goal in the 76th minute.

Francis Nambute completed his brace in style, collecting the ball on the edge of the penalty box before unleashing a mesmerizing right-footed curler that left goalkeeper Steve Njung'e with no chance.

With this goal, Naivas effectively sealed the win, sending them to the top of the table with one match in hand.

In other league action, Kisumu All Stars delivered a resounding 5-2 victory over Mara Sugar at Awendo Green Stadium in Migori. 

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