Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) will end 2024 as the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF PL) league leaders as traditional Kenya’s football giants AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia wrapped up the year with victories.
KCB 4 Mara Sugar 3
KCB moved to the top of the Premier League by edging out newcomers Mara Sugar 4-3 in a seven goal thriller at St Sebastian Park in Murang’a.
However, the team can afford a smile after wrapping the year with three points which saw them reclaim the top spot and assured them to remain nestled at the summit up to next year.
The Bankers, who at some point enjoyed a massive cushion at the summit of the FKF Premier League table, had lost and registered four draws prior to the game.
James Kinyanjui was the hero of the game as he netted a brace with Francis Kahiro and Patrick Otieno adding the extras for KCB.
Mathias Isogol, Reuben Mita and experienced winger Michael Isabwa were on target for Mara.
Gor Mahia 1 Kariobangi Sharks 0
Defending FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia moved into third place thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.
Gedeon Bendeka was the man on the mark after capitalizing on a defensive mix-up from Luke Otiala and Ian Taifa to lash home a shot past visiting keeper Bernard Jairo.
Sharks coach William Muluya after the game described Gor Mahia’s performance as that of “champions”, referencing how they forced his side to a mistake, ultimately using it to secure another win that keeps them in touch with the leading duo of KCB and Tusker.
The win for K’Ogalo moves them just three points behind leaders KCB and with a game in hand.
AFC Leopards 2 Bandari 0
At the same time in Dandora, AFC Leopards left it late to drown Bandari 2-0, extending their unbeaten run to five games.
Following a barren draw in the first half, Leopards broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute through an impressive strike from Ronald Sichenje, before skipper Victor Omune added a second with nine minutes to go for his side’s sixth win of the season.
The win moves Ingwe to fifth with 22 points, while Bandari, who lost for just their second time this season, dropped to sixth.
Ulinzi 2 City Stars 1
Ulinzi Stars ended their seven-game winless run on Sunday 22 December following a gritty but controversial 2-1 victory over Nairobi City Stars at Dandora Stadium.
After going a goal down in the half-hour mark, Dunstan Nyaudo’s side executed a strong comeback, first equalizing through Amatton Samunya, before grabbing a second-half winner from Brian Kafero.
While City Stars reel from a third straight game without a win, Ulinzi Stars, are off the relegation places.
Murang’a Seal 1 Talanta 0
Murang’a Seal made it three wins on the bounce without a goal conceded after seeing off ten-man FC Talanta 1-0 in Machakos.
The only goal of the game came via Nixon Omondi in the 71st minute, sending Seal to seventh place on the log as Talanta drop to the relegation playoff places.
Homeboyz 1 Police 1
Kakamega Homeboyz halted the good run by the FKF Cup champions Kenya Police FC have been enjoying after holding the Law Enforcers to a 1-1 draw at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Police have been on top of their game since the arrival of Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije as the team had registered five successive wins prior to Saturday’s clash.
The Law Enforcers were well on course to make it six in a row after Eric Zakayo gave them the lead in the 86th minute.
However, Moses Shumah broke their hearts as he equalized for Homeboyz in the dying seconds of the game
Mathare United 1 Shabana 0
The Glamour Boys seeking to stretch their recent unbeaten run to five matches succumbed to Brian Ouru’s first-half lone goal.
