By Samuel Gacharira,
There were major changes on the KPL log following an exciting round of matches this weekend. The biggest leap however is that of Muhoroni Youth who have moved from position 11 into the top 8 bracket.
Gor Mahia look on course to successfully defend their title and enjoy a four point cushion over second placed Sofapaka. Ulinzi Stars has joined the big boys and are now among the top four.
At the lower reaches of the table, KCB are four points above the red zone as the tail end of the standings remains unchanged with Nakuru All Stars and City Stars destined for the chop.
FRIDAY 3RD OCTOBER
Chemelil Sugar 1-2 Ulinzi Stars
Ulinzi Stars battled hard to pick three points in a tense encounter at the Chemelil Complex. This ensured that Robert Matano’s record of not losing at Awasi still stands as the soldiers marched on to position 4 on the log. Job Muhati’s 64th minute strike cancelled Ezekiel Otuoma’s 14th minute opener before Mohammed Hassan header ensured victory and three points for the visitors.
SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER
Nairobi City Stars 1-4 Gor Mahia
Gor Mahia compounded City Stars relegation woes by handing them a 4-1 hiding in a tie that was marred by controversy. Raymond Omondi’s strike 8 minutes from time was just a consolation for the hosts as Dan Sserunkuma’s hatrick and George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo’s strike had already done enough damage earlier on.
Mathare United 0-1 Tusker
Earlier on, Tusker returned to winning ways with a labored 1-0 win over Mathare United thanks to a 24th minute strike by Andrew Tololwa.The result leaves them at 3rd position six points behind the league leaders.
Western Stima 1-1 KCB
In Kisumu, Ronald Musana’s 73rd minute strike earned KCB a valuable point that steered them 4 points from the relegation zone. Collins Neto had given the host side an early lead with a goal in the 15th minute.
Muhoroni Youth 3-1 KRA
KRA’s suffered their sixth consecutive loss at the hands of Muhoroni Youth in a tie that ended 3-1 in favor of the hosts. Mike Khaduli’s brace and Ezekiel Otuoma’s early goal in the first half were enough to propel Francis Baraza’s side to the top 8 bracket. Ivan Anguyo was on target for the taxmen.
SUNDAY 5TH OCTOBER
Sony Sugar 2-2 Sofapaka
Sofapaka staged a spirited comeback at the Awendo Stadium registering a 2-2 draw against a stubborn Sony Sugar side.Enock Agwanda’s 43rd minute goal breathed hope into the visiting side who had conceded two goals earlier on courtesy of Kennedy Oduor and Samuel Onyango in the 25th and 36th minute respectively. Captain Felly Mulumba nodded in the equalizer in the 67th minute ensuring that Sofapaka maintain their second place on the log albeit 4 points behind league leaders.
Nakuru All Stars 0-2 AFC Leopards
Nakuru All Stars seem to have jumped from the proverbial frying pan into the fire following their 2-0 defeat at the hands of AFC Leopards. Humphrey Mieno was in fine form for the visitors calmly slotting a spot kick early in the first half before setting up Jacob Keli for the second goal deep into extra time. The result took their tally to 32 points still perched at position 12 with a game in hand.
Thika United 3-1 Bandari
David King’atua’s man of the match performance helped Thika United dispatch Bandari at the Thika Staduium.Dennis Odhiambo 90th minute strike added to his first half brace did the job for the hosts as Shaban Kenga netted in a late consolation in the 91st minute. Thika are now ranked 6th with 37 points.