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Slum derby: Mathare United eyes for win against Kariobangi Sharks in action-packed FKFPL Sunday

Slum derby: Mathare United eyes for win against Kariobangi Sharks in action-packed FKFPL Sunday
Mathare United during a warm-up before their match agaunst Talanta FC on Saturday October 26, 2024. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/MathareUtd
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After a two-week break, Mathare United will be looking to extend their winning streak when they face arch-rivals Kariobangi Sharks in the Slum derby on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

The two sides will be locking horns at the Dandora Stadium in Nairobi starting from 4 pm in what has been projected to be a blistering encounter with both sides seeking to cement their league status.

Mathare is 12th on the log with 19 points from 15 matches — five wins, four draws and six defeats. The John Kamau-coached side snatched a slim 1-0 win in their last encounter against Shabana.

Kariobangi Sharks players in a joyful mood during a training session on Saturday January 11, 2025. PHOTO/@k_sharksfc/X
Kariobangi Sharks players in a joyful mood during a training session on Saturday January 11, 2025. PHOTO/@k_sharksfc/X

Their rivals, Kariobangi Sharks, trail closely in 13th with 18 points, boasting four wins, six draws and five losses. Their last game was against record champions Gor Mahia which they lost with a solitary goal from Congolese international Gedeon Bendeka, closing the gap to current league leaders KCB Football Club.

A win for Mathare United could take them up to 8th in the FKF Premier League log while Sharks could climb up to 10 if they cage their bitter rivals.

Mathare’s start to the current campaign was far from ideal. A humbling 4-0 defeat to AFC Leopards was followed by stalemates against Kakamega Homeboyz and Sofapaka, only for defending champions Gor Mahia to hand them another 4-0 drubbing.

Mathare United FC players warming on January 2, 2025. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/MathareUtd
Mathare United FC players warming on January 2, 2025. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/MathareUtd

However, the Slum Boys clawed back with a narrow 1-0 win over Bidco United, only to stumble again in a 2-0 loss to Kenya Police. But, their resurgence came in style, with consecutive victories against Talanta, Posta Rangers and leaders KCB.

In the following matches, inconsistency crept back in as they fell to City Stars, Tusker, and Murang’a Seal then recorded draws against Ulinzi Stars and Bandari FC.

Despite their mixed fortunes, John Kamau’s charges are optimistic of an excellent run in the upcoming matches.

Other matches

In other matches, Ulinzi Stars will be keen to escape the relegation zone pressure when they face Mara Sugar at Dandora Stadium. The soldiers have 16 points just 2 more than the Posta Rangers who are sitting at the bottom of the log.

The newly promoted side- Mara Sugar- has 19 points and sitting 10th in the FKFPL standings.

At the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Bidco United will play against Murang’a Seal.

FKF Premier League standings. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/fkfpremierleague
FKF Premier League standings. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/fkfpremierleague

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