James Waindi
24 April 2008
Nairobi — National under-17 football team suffered a humiliating 1-5 defeat to Kenyan Premier League side Mathare United, in a build up match at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The match was part of the junior team's preparation ahead of their second leg Africa Youth Championships tie against Rwanda on Saturday at the same venue and the drubbing was certainly a wake up call for coach Gabriel Njoroge.
Kenya drew 2-2 with Rwanda, a fortnight ago in Kigali and only need a barren or a 1-1 draw to progress to the next round.
The junior team seemed to have contained the ever entertaining Mathare United in the opening minute and could have gone ahead through Jamal Omar in the 22nd minute were it not for the heroics of Mathare goalkeeper Sarun Lipirei.
Mathare notched the opener after 30 minutes through Vincent Okello who tapped in Joseph Nyaga's cross and Anthony Khadudu added the second 11 minutes later with a vicious strike from 30 yards that gave the under-17 custodian John Mbugua no chance, to give Mathare a 2-0 half time lead.
On resumption coach Njoroge who doubles up as Mathare Youth coach, made numerous changes but the substitutions failed to click. Mathare's changes, however, bore fruits.
Substitute Anthony Kimani headed the third goal for the victor's in 77th minute from a corner, before Collins Tiago who is back from a long term injury added the fourth three minutes later from an easy tap in.
Left back Jaffer Gichuki scored the fifth with a fast time volley from the edge of the box in the 87th minute, before Francis Kahata scored a consolation goal for the juniors with a left volley two minutes into injury time.
Mathare United coach Francis Kimanzi was impressed with his team's performance and noted that it was a boost to the side ahead of their weekend league assignment against Western Stima.
Rwanda is expected tomorrow and the match for their match on Saturday from 4pm. Kenya Football Federation secretary general, Sammy Obingo, said entry fee for the match is Sh150.
Goalkeepers: John Mbugua, Martin Mwendwa. Defenders: Victor Marwa, Fred Chitai, Eric Odhiambo, Anthony Gicheha, Peter Omondi, Edward Seda. Midfielders: Philemon Omondi, Victor Ashinga, Anthony Akumu, Joshua Yulia, Francis Kahata, David Kangatwa, Victor Oduma, Mike Indovolo, Tom Wango, Daniel Kanogo.
Strikers: Omar Jamal, Jackson Shitahi and Gilbert Ndanyi.
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