Mathare United head coach John Kamau has admitted that poor ball retention and vulnerability to counterattacks were crucial factors in his team’s 2-0 defeat to AFC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday. This loss followed a similar defeat to Gor Mahia just days earlier, and highlighted some recurring issues that have hindered the Slum Boys’ progress in the FKF Premier League.
The match saw AFC Leopards continue their strong start to the season, with goals from James Kinyanjui and Vincent Mahiga securing the win for Fred Ambani’s side. The result moved Leopards to third place on the league table, extending their unbeaten run. For Mathare United, however, it was a familiar story, as they struggled to make the most of their possession, particularly in the final third.
Despite starting the game with high energy, pressuring Leopards and creating early chances, Mathare’s inability to convert these opportunities proved costly. A notable moment came when winger Fidel Ochieng’ made a promising run down the right flank and sent in a dangerous cross that narrowly missed its intended target. Although Mathare’s performance showed flashes of creativity, the lack of movement and precision in the attack limited their ability to capitalize on these openings.
Kamau acknowledged that his team’s build-up play was decent, but stressed that their attacking phase lacked the sharpness needed to break down a well-drilled Leopards defense. He pointed out that, while the team created chances, their failure to work on movement off the ball contributed to their inability to finish them.
The decisive moment of the match came midway through the second half when Kinyanjui scored the opener for Leopards, finishing with composure after a quick counterattack. Shortly after, Omune doubled the lead with another counter, exposing Mathare’s defensive fragility.
Kamau reflected on how his team’s struggles in possession directly contributed to the goals they conceded. “We are loose in possession in the final third, which exploits us on the counterattack,” he explained. “We need to work on our defensive shape and improve our transition play to avoid being exposed by swift counterattacks, like those of AFC Leopards.”
Despite the setback, Kamau remains optimistic about his team’s potential. He called for patience, stressing that Mathare United will continue to work on improving their tactical discipline and aim for better performances as the season progresses.
