Gor Mahia begun title defense with emphatic 4-0 win over Nakumatt in Machakos with Ulinzi Stars hammering Zoo FC 4-2 in Nakuru as Kenyan Premier League 2018 season commenced on Saturday.
Six teams were in action in the first week of the Kenya’s topflight with five recording wins with one game ending in a stalemate.
A total of sixteen goals were celebrated; an average of 2.7 goals per game.
Gor’s Ugandan-born Rwandan striker Meddie scored the first hat-trick of the season in the big win over “The Retailors.”
The 2017 SJAK most valuable player broke the deadlock for K’Ogalo in the 14th for a 1-0 half time lead.
He doubled the lead for his brace in the 52nd minute off Kevin Omondi’s sleek pass before grabbing a hat-trick, a first for the new season, in the 76th.
Hardworking right full back Wellington Ochieng sealed the deserved win with the fourth and final in the 79th minute.
The win propels the coach Dylan Kerr’s side to the top of the log with three points pending Sunday’s fixtures.
In Nakuru, a brace from Enosh Ochieng’ and a goal each from Cliff Kasuti and Daniel Waweru gave Ulinzi Stars a well worked 4-2 victory against Zoo at bumpy Afraha Stadium.
Zoo’s goals came courtesy of Nicholas Kipkirui and 2017 KPL most valuable player Mike Madoya.
In another match at the same venue, Posta Rangers rallied to hold AFC Leopards 1-1.
Brian Marita opened his account for the Leopards in the sixth minute from a set piece situation but Danson Kago managed to restore parity two minutes to the breather with a glancing header from a similar situation.
Leopards’ goalkeeper Jairus Adira stood tall for them; saving Joseph Mbugi’s 55th minute penalty.
In Chemelil, Chemelil Sugar FC shocked visiting Tusker FC 2-0 at Chemelil Complex.
Tusker dropped 14 players in the January transfer window for fresh blood and are expected to struggle before they find their rhythm.
The league continues tomorrow with three fixtures lined-up;
Vihiga United vs Mathare United – Bukhungu – 3PM
Sofapaka vs Bandari – Narok – 3PM
Thika United vs Kakamega Homeboyz – Thika Municipal Stadium – 3PM
KPL WEEK 1 SATURDAY RESULTS;
FT: Ulinzi Stars 4 – 2 Zoo Kericho
FT: Chemelil 2 – 0 Tusker
FT: Gor Mahia 4 – 0 Nakumatt
FT: Nzoia Sugar 0 – 1 Kariobangi Sharks
FT: Wazito 1 – 0 Sony Sugar
FT: Posta Rangers 1-1 AFC Leopards
