Rangers Extend Lead. During the gripping FKF Premier League showdown that unfolded from September 30th to October 1st, 2023, Shabana adeptly held AFC Leopards at bay, thereby prolonging their persistent run without a victory.
In a separate match, Gor and their opponents settled for a 1-1 draw, while Posta Rangers clinched a commanding victory over Kariobangi Sharks, securing their top position in the FKF PL 2023 standings with an impressive total of thirteen points. Kenya Police managed to get their first win of the season under the guidance of a new coach. The clash between AFC Leopards and Shabana not only featured intense competition but also drew an enormous crowd of spectators, etching a moment of historical
significance in the weekend football encounters.
While maintaining an unblemished record on their home turf, AFC Leopards have encountered a vexing dilemma in their quest for victory. Their home matches have been fruitless, devoid of both goals and points. However, on their travels, they suffered defeat against KCB and secured a draw against Kenya Police.
In their encounter with Shabana FC at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, which attracted a substantial crowd, AFC Leopards’ goalkeeper, Levis Opiyo showcased his mettle with
an impressive save when Enock Agwanda unleashed a formidable shot toward the goal, preventing Shabana from taking an early lead. Subsequently, AFC Leopards seized an opportunity, converting a penalty in the 13th minute, courtesy of Brian
Yakhama. However, Shabana FC wasted no time in responding, as Peter Ogechi unleashed the bullet header into the net, equalizing the score in the 21st minute. The first half continued without any further goals from either side, and this goalless trend persisted until the final whistle.
At Nyayo stadium, defending champions Gor Mahia orchestrated a late comeback, ultimately securing a 1-1 draw against the formidable KCB FC. Despite K’ogalo’s previous draw against Kakamega Homeboyz and KCB’s recent 2-0 victory, the match was a fiercely contested affair. KCB took the lead in the 17th minute through Apollo Otieno, but Gor Mahia displayed resilience and persistence. They eventually found the equalizer in the 88th minute, thanks to Ugandan international Rogers Mugisha. While Gor Mahia managed to deny KCB their third win of the season, the result sets the stage for the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby against rivals AFC Leopards for Gor Mahia in their next fixture, while KCB will face Muhoroni Youth in their upcoming match.
Talanta FC 0 – 0 Tusker FC
At Ruaraka Grounds, Tusker began strongly against FC Talanta, but the first half ended goalless. Michael Jairo threatened for Talanta, but Tusker’s defense held firm.
In the second half, Joseph Mwangi had a clear opportunity for Tusker, but his shot was brilliantly saved by James Omusinde. The game remained deadlocked, and both teams couldn’t find a winner, resulting in a 0-0 draw.
Bandari 0 – 1 Kakamega Homeboyz
At Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa, Bandari faced a defeat against Kakamega Homeboyz in the FKF Premier League. Initially, Bandari had a strong start, but Homeboyz gained momentum as the first half progressed. The game remained goalless at halftime, but in the second half, Homeboyz managed to break the deadlock with a header from Brian Eshihanda in the 63rd minute. Despite Bandari’s late attempts, including a missed chance by Kasumba, Homeboyz secured the victory, taking home all three points.
Kariobangi Sharks 0-1 Posta Rangers
At the Kasarani Annex, Posta Rangers clinched their fourth victory of the season with a slender 1-0 win against Kariobangi Sharks, courtesy of Patrick Otieno’s first-half strike. The decisive moment occurred in the seventh minute when Otieno expertly capitalized on a pinpoint long pass delivered by the team’s center-back, Kennedy Owino, successfully finding the back of the net.
Remarkably, this marked the second occasion this season that Otieno played the role of match-winner for Posta Rangers, as his solitary goal had previously secured a similar 1-0 triumph over newcomers Murang’a Seal.
Otieno’s jubilant celebration clearly portrayed his delight in defeating his former club and raising his season’s goal count to two. Posta Rangers’ impressive start to the season continues, with this victory being their fourth in five matches, accompanied by a single draw. Guided by the astute coaching of John Kamau, the team has displayed formidable offensive prowess, tallying a total
of eight goals while conceding just once. Significantly, this outcome also signaled the end of Sharks’ previously unbeaten run this season.
Posta Rangers remain undefeated thus far. Who will stop them?
Bidco United 0 – 2 Kenya Police
Kenya Police’s recent changes in coaching paid off handsomely as they secured their first win of the season, defeating Bidco United 2-0 at the Police Pavilion in South C. The crucial shift occurred when the team brought in former AFC Leopards coach Zdravko Logarusic during the week, replacing Francis Baraza, who had been in charge since the previous season.
Under Logarusic’s guidance, Kenneth Muguna and Clinton Kinanga scored the decisive goals that not only secured the win but also ended Bidco’s unbeaten streak.
This victory signals a promising new chapter for Kenya Police as they aim to improve their season’s performance.
Nzoia Sugar 0-1 Murang’a Seal
Murang’a Seal, determined to reverse their fortunes after enduring two consecutive setbacks, mounted an impressive comeback in their football campaign. Despite
commencing the season atop the league, the Seals soon found themselves facing stiff
competition, resulting in a loss of their coveted position. However, the Seal squad exhibited unwavering resolve as they secured their third victory of the season by defeating Nzoia Sugar 1-0 at the Sudi Stadium. The crucial
goal came from winger Wilson Kamau in the second half. This significant strike not only ensured a much-needed win but also demonstrated the Seal’s resilience in bouncing back from two successive defeats.
Sofapaka 1-2 Nairobi City Stars
In the early stages of the Kasarani Annex encounter, Nairobi City Stars swiftly seized the initiative. It was Oalo’s adept pass to Kelvin Etemesi, who found himself positioned onside, that culminated in a close-range goal in the 32nd minute. As the first half
concluded, Nairobi City Stars comfortably retained their lead. Nonetheless, the second half witnessed a captivating resurgence from Sofapaka. The turning point arrived in the 54th minute, as Evans Maliachi skillfully headed the ball
into the net following a splendid delivery from Oliver Maloba. The Stars, however, refused to be outdone on their visit, responding emphatically just five minutes later. Vincent Owino, capitalizing on a corner kick executed by Kelvin Etemesi, reestablished Sofapaka’s lead, turning the match into a thrilling see-saw battle.
ROUND SIX FIXTURES.
Friday, 6th
1. Murang’a Seal v Sofapaka, 3 pm. (Sportpesa Avenue, Murang’a)
2. Posta Rangers v Nzoia Sugar, 3 pm. (Kasarani Annex, Nairobi)
3. Kakamega Homeboyz v Talanta, 3pm. (Bukhungu stadium, Kakamega)
4. Tusker FC v Shabana FC, 3pm. (Kasarani Main Stadium, Nairobi.)
Saturday, 7th
1. AFC Leopards v Gor Mahia, 4 pm. (Kasarani Main Stadium, Nairobi)
2. Ulinzi Stars v Kariobangi Sharks, 3 pm. (Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi)
3. Nairobi City Stars v Kenya Police, 3.15 pm. (Kasarani Annex, Nairobi)
4. Bidco United v Bandari FC, 1 pm. (Kasarani Annex Nairobi)
Monday, 9th
1. Muhoroni Youth FC v KCB, 3 pm. (Muhoroni Stadium, Muhoroni
