The FKF Premier League rescheduled matches on 6th November between Sofapaka vs Kenya Police and Bandari vs Gor Mahia was full of drama on Wednesday evening 6th November,2024

Sofapaka Fc Hold Police

At Dandora Stadium in Nairobi, Sofapaka and Kenya Police fought to a 1-1 draw in a match that featured early goals, dramatic moments, and a controversial offside decision. Sofapaka who signed over 24 players heading into the new season hoped to continue with their resurgence having started the new season in the wrong foot.Batoto Ba Mungu looked poised to take all three points, but Kenya Police’s resilience and a heated incident on the pitch ensured the game ended with both sides sharing the spoils.

First Half: Early Sofapaka Goal Shakes Kenya Police

Sofapaka seized control from the beginning, taking the lead just nine minutes into the match. Joseph Kuloba caught Police goalkeeper Patrick Matasi off his line with a brilliantly placed chip that sent Sofapaka fans into a frenzy. Kuloba’s goal displayed his awareness and skill, putting his side in the driver’s seat early on.

Kenya Police responded by intensifying their offensive efforts, determined to level the score before the break. Alvin Mangeni came close, firing a shot over the bar. Despite their best efforts, however, Kenya Police couldn’t capitalize on their chances in the first half, leaving Sofapaka with a narrow 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.

Second Half: Police Fight Back, Drama Unfolds ,Red Card To Abud Omar

As the second half began, Kenya Police increased their pressure, showing urgency in their quest for an equalizer. Just minutes into the half, midfielder Kenneth Muguna orchestrated a brilliant play, finding winger David Okoth with a precise pass that cut through Sofapaka’s defense. Okoth made no mistake, driving the ball past Sofapaka’s goalkeeper to bring the game level at 1-1.

With the scores tied, tensions on the field began to rise. Okoth was soon involved in a physical altercation with Sofapaka’s Kenya U20 full-back, Baron Ochieng. In a heated moment, Okoth shoved Ochieng to the ground, leading to a confrontation between players from both teams. The referee intervened, issuing a straight red card to Kenya Police’s Abud Omar for his part in the incident, leaving Police down to ten men for the remainder of the match.

Controversial Offside Call Denies Sofapaka the Win

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Kenya Police managed to hold off Sofapaka’s attempts to exploit their extra man. Sofapaka appeared to have found a breakthrough in the 83rd minute when they put the ball in the back of the net. However, their celebrations were cut short as the referee ruled the goal offside, sparking protests from Sofapaka’s players and bench.

After the match, Sofapaka Head Coach Robert Matano expressed his frustration over the disallowed goal, feeling his team had been denied a crucial victory.

“Today we’ve been robbed of a clean goal and three points, but we’ll take it. I’m proud of my boys; they’ve fought for this,” Matano stated. The draw leaves Sofapaka with mixed emotions, having come so close to victory, while Kenya Police walk away relieved to have salvaged a point.

Bandari FC Overpowers Gor Mahia in Kwale

While Sofapaka and Kenya Police played out a dramatic draw, defending champions Gor Mahia endured a frustrating outing at Ukunda Showground in Kwale County, where Bandari FC handed them a humbling 2-0 defeat. Gor Mahia’s coach, Leonardo Neiva, is under increasing pressure as the team struggles to find their rhythm in the new season.

First Half: Bandari’s Early Dominance

Bandari showed intent from the start, testing Gor Mahia’s defense within the opening two minutes. Midfielder Geoffrey Ojunga fired a powerful 30-yard free kick that forced Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper Caleb Otieno into an early save, setting the tone for what would be a long day for the visitors. Bandari continued to push forward, nearly breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute when Alfred Emoni attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick that was again saved by Otieno.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia struggled to create chances, with Bandari’s backline containing striker Chris Ochieng and playmaker Austin Odhiambo. Gor failed to register a single shot on target in the opening 30 minutes, a testament to Bandari’s defensive discipline.

Second Half: Bandari’s Goals and Gor Mahia’s Misfortune

Gor Mahia showed some improvement in the second half, nearly taking the lead ten minutes in when Odhiambo set up Morrison Enock for a shot. Enock, however, failed to find the target, sending his shot wide and missing a valuable opportunity.

Bandari capitalized on this missed chance and took control of the game. In the 67th minute, Gor Mahia’s captain Geoffrey Ochieng received a red card after a rough challenge on super-sub Izzadin Ramadhan just outside the 18-yard box. The free kick that followed proved costly for Gor Mahia, as Geoffrey Ojunga stepped up and delivered a stunning strike into the top corner to put Bandari ahead.

With momentum on their side, Bandari doubled their lead in the 76th minute. Ramadhan, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, connected with Beja Nyamawi just outside the penalty area. Nyamawi calmly slotted the ball past Otieno, sealing a well-deserved victory for the hosts.

Chaotic Scenes and Bandari’s Triumph

The atmosphere at Ukunda Showground turned chaotic following Bandari’s second goal. Tensions spilled over into the stands, leading to a confrontation among fans that left five people injured. The match had to be stopped for over half an hour as security and officials worked to restore order. Once calm was re-established, the referee resumed play for the final six minutes, securing Bandari’s 2-0 victory.

Bandari’s head coach, Ken Odhiambo, praised his players for their resilience and discipline. “I am happy my players showed character and played according to our plan. We knew Gor would attack more, but we dominated the second half,” Odhiambo said. The win provides a confidence boost for Bandari, who now move up the league standings, while Gor Mahia faces mounting concerns.

What’s Next for Gor Mahia and the League?

Gor Mahia’s challenging start to the season has raised questions about Coach Neiva’s strategy and the team’s ability to defend their title. This latest defeat leaves the champions with more pressure to address their defensive weaknesses and goal-scoring struggles. Meanwhile, Bandari’s impressive performance sends a strong signal to other teams about their intentions for the season.