FKFPL Weekend Review: Advatage for Police as Gor, Tusker draw

A stalemate draw between title contenders Gor Mahia and Tusker and a shocking defeat to Bandari at home by FC Talanta made the headlines as the FKF Premier League concluded its Round 21 over the weekend.

Harambee Stars and Kenya Police attacking midfielder Mohamed Bajaber doning the national team colours/ Photo Courtesy

Perfect debut for Bajaber and advantage for Police as Gor, Tusker draw

Gor Mahia vs Tusker FC was the game of the week but it failed to live up to expectations. The two sides, who have dominated the league since 2011, fought to a barren draw at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Sunday.

Both teams came into the game looking for a win and up pressure on leaders Kenya Police after the Law-enforcers secured a 2-nil victory over Bidco United on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the log.

New singning Mohamed Bajaber scored on his debut to mark a perfect start at his new home after ditching Nairobi City Stars for the league leaders. David Simiyu added the second goal three minutes after Bajaber opened the scores in the 70^th minute. The win took Police to 41 points, two above the Brewers and six ahead of K’Ogalo.

Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic was disappointed with the draw urging his player to be clinical in front of goal if they intend to challenge for the title this season.

The Croat said a team with an illustrious history like Gor Mahia—a club that has basked in the glory of numerous championships— are expected to score goals not merely as a tactical necessity but as a culture.

“The importance of scoring can’t be overstated; it is the lifeblood of any successful campaign. For Gor Mahia, the pressure to deliver goals is compounded by the weight of expectations that accompany their storied legacy,” said Mihic after leading his charges for just the second match.

On the opposing side, Tusker FC’s head coach, Charles Okere, emerged from the match with commendations for his players, who demonstrated tenacity and tactical acumen to hold the defending champions to a draw.

Okere said in a season where every point counts, Tusker’s ability to thwart Gor Mahia’s attacking prowess speaks volumes about their defensive organisation and mental fortitude.

“Tusker FC are poised to challenge for the title and their performance against Gor Mahia is a testament to their potential. The current season of Kenyan football is marked by an atmosphere of anticipation and uncertainty. As teams jostle for position, the narrative of the title race is shaped by a multitude of factors, including player form, injuries and tactical innovations,” said Okere.

With the current league uncertainty, this season’s title race might ‘head to the wire’ a race that promises drama and excitement a statement backed by coach Okere.

Talanta Shocks Bandari at Mbaraki

Not many gave FC Talanta a chance for victory in their away weekend clash against high flying Bandari FC but the Jackline Juma-led side pulled off the weekend’s surprise with a 3-2 victory.

Bernard Odhiambo gave the visitor a surprise lead 18 minutes into the game only for Beja Nyamawi to level the scores four minutes into the added time of the first half.

Talanta came into the second half hoping for something special and Emmanuel Osoro gave them just that scoring in the 54^th minute to hand them the lead for a second time. Nyamawi broke the hearts of Talanta fans once again equalizing seven minutes later.

Cyprian Mangeni secured the three points for Talanta with a 65^th minute winner. The win pulled them out of the relegation zone where they currently sit at position 15 with 21 points, just two points off the relegation zone.

Fivestar Homeboyz, Leopards win to set an enticing mid-table battle

Kakamega Homeboyz lacked manners of the visitors hitting Nairobi City Stars to five unanswered goals. The win left the Kakamega based side seventh on 30 points just three adrift of fourth-placed Leopards.

AFC Leopards secured a 2-1 victory against Mara Sugar rain-drenched FKF Premier League fixture at the Awendo Green Stadium on Saturday evening leaving them fourth on 33 points two adrift of Gor Mahia.

With the win, Leopards interim head coach Fred Ambani believes they are still in the tile race a feat that could see them their first tile since 1998: “We still have a realistic chance of winning the title. We want to keep winning our games. Winning the league as a player and coach will be an honour. It will be a big gift for me to win the title.”

In another middle of the table clash, Sofapaka broke the KCB vault with a 2-0 victory to continue their resurgence after the departure of experienced tactician Robert Matano. The win propelled them to ninth on the table on 28 points one ahead of Ulinzi and one below Shabana.

With just five points separating fourth-placed Leopards and Ulinzi at position 10, the middle of the table battle seems to be building up to spmething special as the league enters crucial stage. Although all eyes will be on the title race this battle should be given a blind eye as it may turn exciting for fans.