Mathare United failed to close the gap on Gor Mahia but maintained their unbeaten start to the season after coming from behind to draw 1-1 away to Thika United in a Kenya Premier League match on Sunday at Thika Municipal Stadium.

Thika took the lead ten minutes after the restart through Shami Kibwana’s penalty. However, the Slum boys rallied to restore parity as Clifton Alwanga sent a fine cross that was headed by Cliff Nyakeya for a 71th minute equaliser.

Mathare were quick of the blocks and Edward Seda almost opened the scoring for slum boys in the fourth minute, after going through on the right side of the box, but Thika goalkeeper Allan Owiny produced a great save to stop his low strike.

Nicholas Muyoti’s charges were enterprising going forward, with Mata seemingly happy to allow the home side to dictate the pace of the game.

However, there were no clear-cut chances created in the opening 25 minutes, as both sides were still trying to find their rhythm.

Said Tsuma almost broke the deadlock for the home side on 30 minutes with a header inside the box, but he could not find the target as the effort sailed wide.

Dan Mwaura had a chance to find the breakthrough for the Mathare six minutes from the break, although he sent his volley over the crossbar from 12 yards out.

Thika ended the half on a strong note although they lacked the killer pass to penetrate the Mathare defence, as the sides went into the break scoreless.

Francis Omondi had a chance to break the deadlock for Mathare five minutes into the second stanza, with a low shot from just outside the box, but Owiny produced a good save to keep the scores level.

On the 53minute Thika United were awarded a penalty after Samuel Olwande brought down Kibwana in the box. Shami Kibwana calmly took the shot sending Robert Mboya the wrong way.

The hosts reverted to sit back as Mathare piled pressure in search of a way back.Chrispin Oduor almost got on the scoresheet for Francis Kimanzi’s men, after going through on the right side of the box but Allan Owiny was on hand to make a good stop at the near post.

Clifton Alwanga, who had been quiet this far created his first chance in the 71nd minute for Mathare sending a fine cross into the danger zone that was easily headed by Nyakeya for equalizer.

The woodwork proved a frustration for Thika with a few minutes remaining, when Kibwana Shami ‘s header crashed against the upright with Mboya well beaten.

That proved to be the final chance of the home team, as Mathare had to settle for a point that leaves them three points behind KPL leaders Gor Mahia.

Other KPL Sunday results:

Sony Sugar 0-2 AFC Leopards

Wazito 1-4 Kariobangi Sharks