Kariobangi Sharks stole the show in match week 2 of the 2024/25 FKF Premier League when they came from two goals down to steal a priceless 3-2 advantage over Tusker in one of seven matches played this weekend.
Tusker got off to a great start, scoring first in the eighth minute. Ryan Ogam finally managed to put the ball in the net after a lot of chaos near the goal, involving Shaphan Oyugi. The team didn’t waste any time and scored again in the 29th minute. Charles Momanyi, the captain, headed the ball into the net after a long throw from George Kaddu.
Sharks, however, came back strong in the second half. They scored their first goal in the 66th minute through Keith Imbali. They kept pushing and managed to tie the game with 10 minutes left with Ally Salum, recently signed from Rainbow FC, levelling matters. Salum was at it again in the dying moments of the match with the winner for Sharks.
Ally Salum's brace; Thumping finishes of real authority yaani kama mshale kwenye upinde#WeAreSharks pic.twitter.com/wfh8AbL2QQ
— Kariobangi Sharks FC (@k_sharksfc) September 15, 2024
Okere Frustrated
Tusker coach Charles Okere was visibly frustrated after his team squandered that priceless lead. In his post-match interview, the former Harambee Starlets coach expressed frustration at how his side allowed Sharks too much control in midfield, which ultimately led to their undoing.
“We were in control of the match, and given it was an away game, our plan after going ahead was to defend smartly and launch effective attacks. We made substitutions, but unfortunately, some players, especially the strikers, did not help cover the midfield, which opened us up,” he lamented.
“Every match is a chance to fix areas where we fell short as a team. I won’t single out any player for the defeat because we play as a unit. We also need to work on the players’ mental strength—being 2-0 up and then conceding and losing is very disappointing. It’s something we must improve,” added the Tusker coach.
🗣️| Coach Charles Okere reacts to yesterday's frustrating evening in Dandora, and doing better for our next match.#KenyaMilele #Brewers4Life pic.twitter.com/kzlNepoGjJ
— Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) September 15, 2024
Jackline Juma Creates History
In Machakos, FC Talanta did not just start their season on a high: their coach, Jackline Juma, who made history as the first woman to ever take charge of a men’s top flight side, added to the history books as the first woman coach to get a victory in the men’s top tier league.
Despite missing a penalty early in the match, Talanta’s Joshua Amunike scored from the last kick of the match to seal a 1-0 victory over Robert Matano’s Sofapaka. The latter, who are struggling with squad depth after a FIFA-imposed transfer ban slapped on them, are now winless in their opening two matches.
KCB, Bandari, Posta Pick Pace
In other matches, KCB picked three points away from home in a 2-0 win over Murang’a Seal. Hannif Wesonga and Patrick Otieno, who was recently acquired from Posta Rangers, were the goal scorers.
Bandari also beat newboys Mara Sugar 1-0 at the Mombasa Sports Club. Shasiri Nahimana was on target for The Dockers.
AFC Leopards, in the meantime, got a slap in the face when they lost 1-0 to Posta Rangers in Machakos. Ingwe’s 4-0 win over Mathare United in their opening match of the season did little to inspire the 1998 winners, with Posta improving their tally to four points in two matches.
👏 Two assists in James Kinyanjui's first start and only his second outing for the team.
Stellar performance from the winger!#MURKCB#Believe #LionHearted 🦁 pic.twitter.com/v8Yf6X82QN
— KCB Football Club (@KCBFootball) September 15, 2024
FKF PL Match Week 2 Results
Sunday
- Bandari 1-0 Mara Sugar (Mombasa Sports Club)
- Kakamega Homeboyz 0-0 Mathare United (Mumias Sports Complex)
- AFC Leopards 0-1 Posta Rangers (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos)
- Muranga Seal 0-2 KCB (SportPesa Arena)
Saturday
- Kariobangi Sharks 3-2 Tusker (Dandora Stadium)
- Sofapaka 0- 1 FC Talanta (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos)
- Nairobi City Stars 1-1 Bidco United (Dandora Stadium)
Postponed FKF PL Matches
Matches involving Kenya Police and defending Champions have been postponed to allow the Kenyan representatives in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup honor their preliminary fixtures. Both clubs are eyeing the tournaments’ group stages.
Gor Mahia, who lost to Al Ahly, were set to host Ulinzi Stars while Kenya Police, who fell to Zamalek, could have been up against Shabana in Homabay.
Updated FKF PL Table
Following this weekend’s round of matches, KCB top the table with four points, after a draw and a win in their opening two matches. Kariobangi Sharks, Posta Rangers and Bandari have posted similar results, but have an inferior goal difference.
On the rear end, Sofapaka and Ulinzi Stars are still winless as at match week 2. Mathare United, Kakamega Homeboyz, Shabana and Nairobi City Stars have a point apiece.
Match Week 3 Preview
Action resumes on September 21, 2024, with more matches lined up in match week 3. AFC Leopards, who lost to Posta Rangers in their second match after an impressive start to the season, will be up against bogey side Bidco United while Tusker will be at home against Kakaemega Homeboyz, hoping to turn around their fortunes.
FKF PL Match Week 3 Fixtures
Saturday, September 21, 2024
- Mathare United vs Sofapaka
- Posta Rangers vs KCB
- Mara Sugar vs Nairobi City Stars
- Bidco United vs AFC Leopards
- Ulinzi Stars vs Shabana
Sunday September 22, 2024
- Kariobangi Sharks vs Muranga Seal
- Tusker vs Kakamega Homeboyz