In match-week four of the FKF Premier League, one match, Shabana vs Posta Rangers, failed to kick off, leaving fans at the Gusii Stadium disappointed.
Despite the excitement of hosting a top-tier match at the stadium after 18 years, the game surprisingly couldn’t start. The assigned match officials, who were present at the pre-match meeting, did not turn up as the teams warmed up and were nowhere to be seen at kickoff time.
After the incident, a statement from the Football Kenya Federation’s communication department made matters worse, adding confusion about why the match did not kick off and how the matter shall be handled moving forward.
“As fans filled the stadium and both teams were ready on the field, the match officials, who had attended the pre-match team meeting, vanished before kickoff. We understand the frustration this has caused among fans, players, and club officials. FKF is investigating the matter and working to assign new officials. If the issue isn’t resolved in time, we may have to reschedule the match to maintain league standards,” read part of the FKF statement.
Shabana head coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo expressed his frustration but appreciated the support from the fans.
“The turnout was fantastic; everyone was ready for this game. Unfortunately, the fans are leaving without seeing the team play. This situation is disappointing, not just for Shabana, but for Kenyan football as a whole,” he said.
“So sorry to our fans about yesterday’s called off game, we know what you are going through and we take responsibility. There are still a lot of games to play and we promise to give you happiness and joy we need to stick together, maintain calm and be ambassadors of this… pic.twitter.com/GSx8CTgkXN
— Shabana Fc Kenya (@Shabanafckenya) September 29, 2024
Gor Mahia Start Strong
Defending FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia returned to league action in style, defeating Mathare United 4-0 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
After suffering a 6-0 aggregate loss to Egypt’s Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, Gor Mahia returned with a dominant performance against the newly promoted outfit.
Last season’s Most Valuable Player, Austin Odhiambo, opened the scoring just before halftime. Mathare’s Hakim Ingosi’s own goal in the 48th minute doubled the lead before Geoffrey Ochieng’ added a third in the 74th minute. Congolese forward Gedeon Bendeka completed the rout in stoppage time with his first goal for the club.
Tough Outing for Sofapaka
Bandari earned their second win, beating Sofapaka 1-0 thanks to Beja Nyamawi’s 44th-minute goal in a match played on Saturday at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. This was Sofapaka’s third loss in four matches under coach Robert Matano.
At Utalii Grounds, meanwhile, Talanta fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Bidco United. Peter Nzuki had put Bidco ahead in the 74th minute, but Talanta equalized from the penalty spot in the final minute of stoppage time.
Ingwe, KCB on fire
Patrick Odhiambo’s KCB maintained their unbeaten run, defeating Ulinzi Stars 1-0 at the Police Sacco Stadium. Francis Kahiro scored the winning goal in the 55th minute, keeping KCB at the top of the league table with 10 points and no goals conceded.
AFC Leopards, meanwhile, secured a 2-1 victory over Nairobi City Stars at the Dandora Stadium. Victor Otieno opened the scoring for Leopards in the 25th minute before City Stars equalized through Elvis Noor just five minutes later. However, an own goal by City Stars, following pressure from Hassan Beja, handed Leopards the win.
In Murang’a, league debutants Mara Sugar came from behind to draw 1-1 with Murang’a Seal at the SportPesa Arena. Titus Kapchanga’s first-half belter from over 40 yards out put the hosts ahead. Mike Isabwa, however, pulled one back for the visitors to give coach George Midenyo a promising start to life as a coach in the top tier.
Kenya Police also got their FKF PL campaign underway with shared spoils against Tusker in a 1-1 draw at the Police Sacco Stadium. Marvin Nabwire’s goal for the Law Enforcers in the first half looked to be the winner, but Lawrence Luvanda struck late to secure a point for Tusker.
Homeboyz, Sharks Rained Off
In Mumias, the match between Kakamega Homeboyz and Kariobangi Sharks was halted due to heavy rain. Sharks were leading 1-0 thanks to Ally Salum’s goal scored just after halftime. The game will resume today at 1 pm, starting from the 58th minute.
As a result of heavy downpour, the match ended prematurely and will resume at the 58th minute after tomorrow at 1pm
Ally Salum had us ahead in the 46th minute #WeAreSharks pic.twitter.com/IHmGHF9XdG
— Kariobangi Sharks FC (@k_sharksfc) September 29, 2024
FKF Premier League Table
After the weekend round of matches, KCB remains at the top of the FKF Premier League table with 10 points after four rounds (pending the conclusion of the Kakamega Homeboyz vs. Kariobangi Sharks match). AFC Leopards follow closely with 9 points, while Kariobangi Sharks sit third with 7 points.
At the other end of the table, Sofapaka is bottom with just one point from four fixtures, followed by Nairobi City Stars and Ulinzi Stars, who occupy the relegation play-off spot.
Match Week Four Results
Saturday
- Sofapaka 0-1 Bandari
- Bidco United 1-1 FC Talanta
- Shabana vs Posta Rangers (Aborted)
- Gor Mahia 4-0 Mathare United
Sunday
- KCB 1-0 Ulinzi Stars
- Kenya Police 1-1 Tusker FC
- Murang’a Seal 1-1 Mara Sugar
- AFC Leopards 2-1 Nairobi City Stars
- Kakamega Homeboyz 0-1* Kariobangi Sharks (Rained off – To resume on Monday starting from the 58th minute)
Here are the full results from Game Week 4.#FKFPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/TxUOnjVRJZ
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) September 29, 2024