Five talking points from MD26 as Japanese forward Yuto Kusaba makes history

Matchday 26 of the Kenyan Premier League saw history made by Japanese forward Yuto Kusaba as Nairobi City Stars shrugged off the controversies of their previous defeat at Muhoroni Youth.

Champions-elect Gor Mahia extended their lead at the top, thanks in part to Tusker FC losing heavily against hoodoo side FC Talanta. Here are five talking points from matchday 26.

Bogey Talanta end Tusker’s slim title hopes

Tusker have always struggled to beat FC Talanta since the latter’s promotion in 2021. In their previous five meetings before the latest match, the Brewers had secured maximum points only once, which was in Talanta’s debut season.

Tusker boss Robert Matano had challenged his boys to make a response to the twin defeats that preceded this clash. However, Talanta, who hadn’t recorded a win in their previous seven matches, would hear none of it.

Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 359 SportPesa Mega Jackpot

Talanta went behind to an Eric Kapaito strike midway into the first half but December Kisakah pulled them level at the stroke of half time.

Two second-half goals from the beautifully named Kevintom Machika and Michael Jairo made sure of the full points for Talanta.

The defeat ended Tusker’s already slim title hopes while Talanta should feel certain of another season in the top flight.

Police building up for a serious title charge…next season

With Tusker losing and Bandari being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Bidco United, Police FC were handed all the incentive to seize the runners-up position on the table.

They answered the call courtesy of a solitary Duncan Otieno strike at the quarter-hour mark which handed them victory against KCB.

ALSO READ: Why Danny Sserunkuma will be remembered forever by Gor Mahia fans

Something has gone totally wrong with the Bankers. They are the only side yet to record a win this calendar year and must count themselves very lucky that they picked up enough points early in the season, otherwise, they would be fighting relegation.

In contrast, Police remain undefeated this year but inconsistency in results throughout the season is the reason why they remain nine points behind log leaders Gor Mahia. They are however increasingly showing they may be the team to beat next season.

Kusaba makes history as City Stars rout Murang’a Seal

Much was said, written and expected of Japanese forward Yuto Kusaba when he joined Nairobi City Stars in August 2023.

He however had to wait for international clearance and it was not until February 4 that he made his debut as a 77th minute substitute in a barren stalemate against Shabana FC.

ALSO READ: Revealed! Why Evans Chebet wasn’t included in Kenya’s marathon team for Paris Olympics

It’s been six matches since then but he managed to get on the scoresheet on the weekend, netting from the spot in a 3-0 win over Murang’a Seal.

The visitors, who had won three of their last four matches before this encounter, suffered a lapse in discipline, conceding two penalties and having Ali Yusuf sent off.

City Stars had much to complain about in their previous encounter, a controversial 2-0 loss to Muhoroni Youth.

They quickly put that behind them and it was a great performance with second half goals from Mohammed Bajaber and their topscorer Dennis Oalo giving them the confidence to entrust the penalty to Kusaba, who became the first Japanese to score in Kenyan football.

It was also another clean sheet for Stars keeper Edwin Mukolwe, keeping him in contention for the golden glove award.

ALSO READ: Victory for Wanyama in Canada as Alwyn Tera provides match-winning assist

Owino hands Leopards victory against former employers

AFC Leopards made a shrewd move securing the transfer of Kennedy Owino from Posta Rangers during the mid-season window, and their decision has been vindicated thus far.

The addition of the right-sided centerback has notably strengthened the Leopards' defense, which has conceded only twice since his debut.

Facing his former club, Posta Rangers, was bound to evoke emotions, but Owino remained unfazed as he delivered another solid performance.

His decisive header in the 40th minute sealed the victory in a match largely dominated by Posta, who have now suffered four consecutive losses.

Leopards must be feeling like they can push for a top five finish which will be a great turnaround for a team that looked very much in trouble during the first half of the season.

Their upcoming challenge is the Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia, another former club for Owino, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture.

ALSO READ: Beijing half marathon launch investigations after 2 Kenyans, Ethiopian let Chinese runner win

Omalla goes two clear in Golden Boot hunt

Title favorites Gor Mahia had to battle from behind in their 1-3 victory at bottom side Nzoia Sugar. Ian Simiyu’s 26th minute penalty had Gor Mahia fans biting their nails at least until the stroke of half time when Harambee Stars international Musa Shariff drilled home the equalizer.

Two more second half goals from Bryson Wangai and Benson Omalla ensured victory for the log leaders who are now 9 points ahead of the chasing pack led by Police FC. This was supposed to be a routine win but Nzoia, playing in front of their fans, made life difficult for the champions-elect.

However, once Shariff netted the equalizer, the result was always going to tip in one direction. It was double victory for Omalla especially as he went two goals clear atop the golden boot standings, his rivals Tito Okello and Francis Kahiro enduring a barren weekend.

Gor Mahia face a sterner test next as they clash with AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday. You don’t want to miss that. I, for one, won’t.

ALSO READ: SportPesa launch revolutionary Tujiamini Initiative to nurture talent