FKFPL Wrap: K’Ogalo close in on top spot as Ingwe fans shed tears

By Tony Kipkorir

The 2023/24 Football Kenya Federation Premier League had a lot to offer over the weekend following its return from the two-week October international break.

While record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia managed to reduce the gap between them and Posta Rangers to a point after edging out Tusker, there was no such joy for their perennial rivals AFC Leopards who remained to be the only team yet to win a match this season after the opening seven games.

Elsewhere, league leaders Posta Rangers saw their four-point buffer over K’Ogalo reduced as they suffered their maiden defeat of the season at the hands of a high-flying Talanta FC side.

Sofapaka on the other hand finally broke their jinx as they collected maximum points for the first time this season. Here is a wrap of how the action unfolded.

Gor Mahia beat Tusker to move to within a point of top spot

Benson Omalla once again steered Gor Mahia to another crucial victory as his solitary first-half strike helped his side to record a crucial victory against Tusker.

The controversial goal, that appeared to have been scored from an offside position, extended Omalla’s tally at the top of the scoring charts to 7 goals, three clear of his closest challenger.

The result saw the Johnathan McKinstry coached side to move to within a point of log-leading Posta Rangers who were beaten.

Ingwe fans shed tears in Mombasa

AFC Leopards fans who had traveled to Mombasa in large numbers to support their struggling club returned home empty handed.

Ingwe, who recently appointed Thomas Trucha to try turn their season around, were beaten 1-0 by Bandari with the Dockers finding the back of the net through Ugandan international Derick Nsibambi to silence the Ingwe fans.

The defeat was a difficult one to swallow for many, with one of Ingwe’s die-hard supporters shedding tears after the match. 

AFC Leopards currently sit in the relegation zone, tied on 4 points with Sofapaka although the former has a superior goal difference.

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Talanta brings Posta Rangers’ unbeaten run to an end

Ken Kenyatta’s Talanta brought Posta Rangers’ six-match unbeaten run to a halt as he led his team to a 3-1 win over Posta Rangers in an entertaining match staged at the Ruaraka Grounds.

Alfred Tanui opened the scoring for Talanta in the fifth minute following a mistake from Rangers’ custodian John Njau before Alex Juma converted a spot kick to double the lead six minutes later.

Rangers tried to get back into the match and their hard work eventually paid off as Dinken Mwema made it 2-1 minutes before the break.

However, the situation got worse for the visitors in the 76th minute when the constant pressure from a new look Talanta forced Ken Odhiambo to concede an own goal that secured the win.

The result moved them to seventh in the league standings with 10 points as Rangers tasted defeat for the first time this season.

Batoto ba Mungu finally get off the mark

Sofapaka spoiled Logarusic’s special day as they Kenya Police FC 1-0 in Machakos.

Sofapaka’s goal came in the 35th minute courtesy of a brilliant team move involving Humphrey Mieno, Fiston Abdoul and Khalid Jumaan, the latter hitting the ball with power as he gave Kenya Police shot stopper Patrick Matasi no chance.

However, despite the win, Sofapaka remained in the relegation zone with four points while the law enforcers dropped to 10th.

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Ulinzi Stars Share Spoils with KCB FC

In another match, KCB FC and Ulinzi Stars shared points at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. 

Mark Bikokwa thought he had won the game for the soldiers when he found the back of the net in the 86th minute.

However, Stephen Ochieng’s extra time own goal ensured the two clubs left the stadium with a point each.

FKFPL Week 7 Results

Shabana FC 2 - 2 Nairobi City Stars

Bandari FC 1 - 0 AFC Leopards

Bidco United 0 - 0 Murang’a Seal

Tusker FC 0 - 1 Gor Mahia FC

Nzoia Sugar 0 - 1 Kakamega Homeboyz

Kariobangi Sharks 1 - 1 Muhoroni Youth

Talanta FC 3 - 1 Posta Rangers FC

KCB FC 1 - 1 Ulinzi Stars FC

Sofapaka 1 - 0 Police FC