By Keke Roy

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) entered its second week with six matches on the cards. As usual, the goal-scoring tally was somehow impressive with only 14 goals scored, while some teams wasting numerous open chances. It is important to note that the matches played over the weekend did not register goalless draws, except Thika and Ushuru match that had a one all draw. On average, the goals per match stood at 2.3 goals, which is an improvement from the first week where 18 goals were scored in 8 matches (an indication of a mean of 2.25 goals per match). This implies that the goal poachers are putting in more efforts in order to bang the balls into the fishnets. It was also evident that the tempo of most matches was slow, with players resorting to hold the ball for long or play in their own halves. However, a number of matches made the highlight of the week after showing good displays against their opponents.

Gor Mahia V Posta Rangers

This was the main match-to-watch over the weekend. Gor Mahia is yet to register its first win this season, having attained a draw in the opening fixture. On the other side, the newly promoted mail carriers are enjoying a fine start in the top-flight football and seem to have done their homework well during the pre-season. Posta Rangers comprises of experienced players who have previously plied their trades at the premier league sides. As a result, the defending champions could not underrate them. Gor Mahia opened the scoring in the second minute through a superb assist by Ronald Omino to Enock Agwanda. The Midfield battle and tactical supremacy were the required ingredients to pick the vital three points, but Posta could not give in that easily. They forced a draw in the last two minutes of the extra time to walk home with a point off the 2015 CAF Club representatives. However, it is apparent that with the departure of their three top strikers of Ali Abondo, Meddie Kagere and Michale Olunga, Gor Mahia will need to tighten up their upfront grip for them to wallop teams as they did last year.

Mathare United V Chemelil

The match started on a high note as the two sides tested the strengths of their opponents. The tiki-taka display, 50/50 ball possession and speedy wing plays hinted an entertaining 90minutes. The action area was mostly in the midfield and the teams were cautious to make the first moves. For instance, Chemelil players are guilty of squandering open scoring chances that could have granted them the first win this season. Mathare snatched the win through a lovely volley by Daniel Mwaura to enable the Slum Boys walk away with the win. Mathare’s coach Kimanzi’s tactics are still questionable because of the slow flow of the ball and fluidity and the constant exposure of the defense line.

Tusker V Ulinzi Stars

This was a battle of wits and egos as was experienced in the touchlines between the two opposing coaches. Ulinzi Stars’ Coach Francis Matano facing his former employers wanted to prove a point, while Brewers’ Paul Nkata was out to register a second win. The amazing thing is that the soldiers have decided to rely on the young players to bring glory for the team. The master-class free kick by John Makwatta was enough to kill the fighting spirits of the brewers before a late goal by Joseph Kuria. Tusker still need to work on their approach to physical games because they tend to lose possession easily whenever threatened with force. Ulinzi are showing clear intentions of the top contenders if the first two matches is anything to go by.

The other results of the second week saw the Dockers Bandari beat the new Kakamega-based Homeboyz to a two nil score line, while Muhoroni escaped with a slim one nil win against Sofapaka on Saturday. Ushuru played to a one all draw against Thika United on Saturday. The other match scheduled for today is between the sugar millers Sony Sugar facing off with AFC Leopards in Awendo.

The writer is just a local football enthusiast who claims to know something, but knows nothing. He is here to share and learn anything.

E-mail; rkeke2@gmail.com

Twitter: @IAmKekeRoy

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com