The Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF PL) delivered a thrilling weekend of action, with AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia suffering defeats, Shabana sharing spoils in Mombasa, and Mara Sugar making a bold return to winning ways.

Mara Sugar Whitewash Mathare United To Return To Winning Ways 

Mara Sugar FC, reeling from a turbulent week that saw head coach George Midenyo suspended, registered a commanding 3-0 victory over Mathare United at Awendo Green Stadium.

David Owino opened the scoring in the 30th minute, and Batts Awita doubled the lead just before halftime. Noah Jagongo sealed the emphatic win in the 80th minute, lifting Mara Sugar to the top half of the table with 22 points. Meanwhile, Mathare United dropped to 13th, only five points above the relegation zone.

Assistant coaches Benedict Wanjala and Ben Bella Omukuba guided Mara in Midenyo’s absence, fueling speculation about the coach’s future amid the club’s poor run earlier in the season.

Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 Bidco United

In Mumias, Kakamega Homeboyz edged Bidco United 1-0, courtesy of an early goal by assistant captain Brian Eshihanda. The victory marked their second consecutive win under coach Francis Baraza, pushing Homeboyz to mid-table safety while leaving Bidco United languishing second from bottom with 15 points after five winless games.

Ulinzi Stars Pile More Misery To  Kariobangi Sharks

Javan Omondi’s spectacular 79th-minute strike secured a vital 1-0 win for Ulinzi Stars over Kariobangi Sharks at Dandora Stadium. Ulinzi’s third consecutive victory propelled them to 10th place with 22 points.

Kariobangi Sharks, despite showing flashes of brilliance, extended their winless streak to six matches, slipping to 14th place with 19 points.

FC Talanta Demolish Afc Leopards 

FC Talanta ended their three-game losing streak with a stunning 4-2 victory over AFC Leopards, handing Ingwe their first-ever league loss to Talanta.

Despite a bright start that saw Bonface Munyendo score in the 12th minute, Leopards’ lead was short-lived as Talanta equalized two minutes later through Kevin Odongo. Goals from Alex Kipruto doubled the lead for Fc Talanta before  Emmanuel Osoro scored  bizarre goal with his backside put the game beyond reach for Leopards, Kipruto seemed to have not finished the onslaught as be scored his second to make it 4 before Maxwell Otieno scored the second for 1998 league champions who remain mired in financial struggles and player boycotts.

The win lifted Talanta out of the relegation zone, while AFC Leopards, unbeaten under coach Fred Ambani until this match, faced their first major setback of the season.

Shabana Held By Bandari in Mbaraki 

Bandari FC salvaged a point against Shabana in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Mbaraki Stadium. Shabana struck first in the opening seconds through Brian Michira, who scored his eighth goal of the season. Bandari leveled in the 73rd minute via Joseph Otieno, leaving both teams to share the spoils in an evenly contested match.

KCB 1-1 Nairobi City Stars

KCB failed to capitalize on their chances to claim the top spot as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nairobi City Stars at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

An early own goal by Francis Oduor gifted City Stars the lead, but KCB equalized in the 22nd minute through Philemon Nyakwaka. Both sides created opportunities but lacked the cutting edge to find a winner.

Sofapaka 2-1 Posta Rangers

Sofapaka deepened Posta Rangers’ woes with a 2-1 victory at Dandora Stadium. Edward Omondi’s early goal set the tone before Jack Ong’anya doubled the lead heading into half time a second half resurgence from Posta Rangers saw them halve the deficit with Muema finding the back of the net , and despite Posta’s efforts to mount a comeback, Batoto ba Mungu held firm to secure the win. Rangers have now gone nine league matches without a victory.

Tusker Capitalize on Gor Mahia’s Defeat

Defending champions Tusker took advantage of Gor Mahia’s slip-up to extend their lead at the top of the table.

On form Striker Ryan Ogam opened the score for Tusker outrunning Gor Mahia center backs before beating Kevin Omondi in goal to put the brewers ahead.The defending champions needed the Most Valuable Player in 2024 midfielder Austine Odhiambo who didn’t fail them Kogalo faithfuls as he pulled ab equalizer with a sumptuous free kick to level the game.With the game set for what looked like a draw Ryan Ogam was the man again as he headed in the winner in the added minutes of the game to earn maximum points for league leaders Tusker and to increase his tally in the top scorers log to 15 goals in 13 games.

Standout Performers

• Javan Omondi (Ulinzi Stars): His wonder strike was the highlight of the weekend to open his account in the FKF Premier League having joined the soldiers from St.Antony’s Boys
• Alex Kipruto (FC Talanta): A brace to lead Talanta’s resurgence.
• David Owino (Mara Sugar): A crucial opener in Mara’s emphatic win.

The FKF PL remains tightly contested as the league edges closer to its halfway mark. Will Tusker hold their lead, or can Gor Mahia and others rally back? Time will tell as the drama unfolds.