Nine matches were played across different venues as the 2018/19 Kenyan Premier League season kicked off over the weekend in the new format to align with CAF requirements. The defending champions the Mighty Kogalo found the going tough in Mbaraki when they lost to Bandari while on the other hand returnees Western Stima begun their campaign with a deserved win.
Saturday 8th December
Bandari 2-1 Gor Mahia – Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa
The Bandari versus Gor Mahia match was expected to be tough and entertaining and it turned out to be just that as Bandari edged out reigning champions Gor Mahia 2-1.
William Wadri opened the scores for the Dockers just before the break and David Kingatua doubled the lead in the 50th minute. Nicholas Kipkirui reduced the deficit in the 79th minute but Bandari held on to win.
Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 KCB FC – Bukhungu
Cameroonian Ravel Morrison scored the all-important goal for Kakamega Homeboyz in the 53rd minute as they beat newcomers KCB FC by a solitary goal in a match played at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.
The Bankers finished the match with one man less as Shami Kibwana received his marching orders in the 77th minute for violent conduct.
Posta Rangers 0-1 Western Stima – Afraha
Veteran Wesley Kemboi scored the winners as league returnees Western Stima beat Posta Rangers 1-0 at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
Mathare United 2-0 Chemelil Sugar FC – MISC Kasarani
Cliff Nyakeya and Clifford Alwanga were on the mark as Mathare United kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Chemelil Sugar FC at Kasarani.
Sunday 9th December
Mt Kenya United 1-2 Sofapaka – Machakos
John Avire opened the scoring for Sofapaka with a diving header in the 43rd minute and Stephen Waruru doubled the lead in the 53rd minute from the spot after Kepha Aswani was brought down in the box.
Mt Kenya pulled one back through Tanzanian International Amani Kyata in the 77th minute.
Zoo FC 0-1 Nzoia Sugar – Kericho
Collins Wakhungu finally broke his goal drought with a well-taken goal as Nzoia Sugar FC beat Zoo FC at the Green Stadium in Kericho.
Vihiga United 2-0 Ulinzi Stars – Bukhungu
Goals by Christopher Masinza and Vincent Wonder guided Vihiga United to an impressive win over Ulinzi Stars at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.
Sony Sugar 1-1 Tusker FC – Awendo
Sony Sugar FC and Tusker FC settled for a one-all draw in another entertaining match played at the Green Stadium in Awendo.
David Juma opened the scoring for the Brewers in the 38th minute but Enock Agwanda equalized in the 80th minute to ensure a share of spoils,
AFC Leopards 1-1 Kariobangi Sharks – Machakos
Ingwe and Sharks also drew 1-1 in an entertaining match played at the Machakos. Harrison Mwendwa in the 16th minute with a brilliant goal but Robinson Kamura equalised from the spot in the 22nd minute.
Additional reporting www.kpl.co.ke
