In a thrilling weekend of rescheduled Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF PL) action, Shabana FC achieved their first win of the season, AFC Leopards narrowly escaped defeat with a stoppage-time equalizer, and Bidco United handed Bandari FC their first loss of the season.
Shabana Breaks the Ice, Hands Police FC Their First Defeat
Shabana FC claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Police FC at Gusii Stadium, marking their first win this season and the club’s first win in the top flight league at Gusii Stadium in over 18 years. The game was highly competitive, with Shabana’s interim coach Peter Okidi implementing strategic lineup changes, bringing in midfielders Sam Kintu and Omwando Justine Maasai, while Vincent Nyabuto, James Mazembe, and Mark Okolla also returned to the starting XI.The match also saw Shabana’s new assistant coach Benard Mwalala in the dug out for the first time.
Police, who entered the match unbeaten, fielded a strong squad led by veterans Patrick Matasi in goal, Musa Muhammed in defense, Kenneth Muguna in midfield, and David Okoth leading the attack. Both teams started cautiously, testing each other’s defense. Shabana, however, suffered an early setback as Cliff Nyakeya was forced off due to injury in the 25th minute, with Kevin Omundi coming in as his replacement.
The game’s only goal came in the 31st minute when Vincent Nyabuto capitalized on a precise assist from Mazembe, giving Shabana a 1-0 advantage. Although Police FC pushed hard for an equalizer, Shabana’s defense held firm, securing the vital three points and ending Police FC’s unbeaten streak.The loss has sent ripples among the Police Fc officials with the club’s CEO Chris Onguso threatening to fire everyone at the club for the slow start of the season.
“I won’t have any kind words for anyone. I’m prepared to fire everyone as we begin a new journey,” he said.
Kenya Police New Technical Director
As per multiple reports the club may is on the verge of making changes to its technical bench,this comes barely a week after appointing Congolese Coach Ishmael Balanga as the club’s Technical Director.
The club also has two coaches Salim Babu and Antony Kimani.
AFC Leopards Rely on Late Drama to Draw Against Mara Sugar
At Dandora Stadium, AFC Leopards continued their struggle with a 1-1 draw against Mara Sugar. Leopards, who hadn’t won in their last three matches, saw their troubles deepen as Mara Sugar’s Meshack Karani scored in the 43rd minute, capitalizing on a perfect setup from Brian Ochieng who pressed Samuel Semo forcing him to make a defensive error and took the ball to set up Karani.
Despite early chances for Leopards, including a one one one chance by Sydney Lokale in the sixth minute and a close attempt by Clifton Miheso in the 22nd, Leopards trailed at halftime. Head coach Tomas Trucha made multiple changes in the second half which included the introduction of Kenya U20 Midfielder Kelly Madada who brought life in the Afc Leopards attack,the youngster was a threat in the Mara Sugar defense and was fouled a number of times . His persistence finally paid off in added time when after being fouled ,Miheso took a a quick freekick sending a pass to Lokale, who struck the equalizer, rescuing a point for the team. However, with two draws and two losses in their last four matches, Leopards now sit in fourth place, six points behind league leaders KCB ahead of the Mashemeji Derby slated for 24th November,2024 at Nyayo Stadium.
Mara Sugar Head Coach Sent Off
The match also saw Mara Sugar Head Coach George Midenyo sent off in the second for failing to control his bench, speaking after the match
“I still don’t understand why I was sent off that was an outrageous call by the match official” said the Mara Sugar Head Coach.
Bidco United Hands Bandari FC Their First Loss of the Season
In another remarkable outcome, Bidco United stunned Bandari FC with a 2-0 victory, marking the Dockers’ first loss this season, coming off a remarkable 2-0 win over defending champions Gor Mahia,Bandari were looking to keep on the momentum but it’s Bidco United who showed the early intend .The breakthrough came in the 40th minute for the oilers when Marvin Ochieng’ headed in a well-placed free kick from Nzuki. Just before halftime, Clinton Asiago intercepted a weak pass at the edge of the box to double Bidco’s lead. Despite Bandari’s efforts to regroup, they were unable to break through Bidco’s defense, and the match ended 2-0 with the goals from the duo being their first for the club in the Fkf Premier League.
League Breaks For Afcon qualifiers
This weekend’s results shake up the FKF Premier League standings, as Police FC and Bandari FC lose their undefeated status, Shabana climbs up with their first win, and AFC Leopards continue their search for consistency heading into the international FIFA break.The league is now set to resume on 23rd November,2024 after AFCON 2025 qualifiers.