Have AFC Leopards lost the title?
AFC Leopards suffered a major title blow after they were condemned to a 1-0 defeat by KCB FC in a match played on Thursday, 27 February at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.
KCB, coached by former AFC Leopards tactician Robert Matano bounced back to winning ways after their weeked loss to Gor Mahia by not only winning the match but also dominating play and frustrating Ingwe throughout the afternoon.
In the end, Leopards remained six points shy of Gor Mahia with both teams having played the same number of games now thus complicating Ingwe’s title chances.
Should the 1998 champions lose the title race, the match against KCB where they were nowhere near their usual levels will dominate their regrets.
Apart from keeping pace with K’Ogalo, Ingwe will now have to deal with the pressure of being overtaken by Shabana whom they are now level with on 40 points.
Shabana force themselves into title matrix
Shabana have slowly but surely forced their way into the FKF Premier League title race, especially after their hard fought 1-0 victory over Mathare United.
The Glamour Boys left it late through a captain George Onyango 98th minute header to secure a fourth consecutive win – their longest win streak this season.
The Peter Okidi-coached side are now on 40 points, same as Leopards and six shy of league leaders Gor Mahia and deep in the title race.
Inactive Gor Mahia biggest winners
League leaders Gor Mahia were undoubtedly the biggest winners of match week 21 despite not being active in midweek.
Gor’s lead at the top of the table was at the risk of being reduced to three points had Leopards won their match against KCB but The Bankers condemned Leopards to their first loss in seven matches.
Gor now enjoy a six point lead and have played the same number of games as their arch-rivals. K’Ogalo will have an opportunity to extend their lead to nine points when they face Mathare United on Saturday 28 February before Leopards and Shabana lock horns on Sunday 1 March.
Mette lays the cornerstone in Tusker’s rebuilding
Newly appointed Tusker FC French coach Julien Mette admitted the impossibility of winning this season’s league title. Instead, the 44-year-old stated that he is focused on building a formidable team that will be able to challenge for the title next season and beyond.
While his sentiments attracted both criticism and praise in equal measure, he walked the talk by guiding The Brewers to a 1-0 win over Murang’a Seal who were in great form.
The match was a true test of his team, given that Seal had won four of their past five matches.
For the 12-time champions, it was their second win in five matches and for a team that has lost half of their past 10 games, the victory over Murang’a might just be the cornerstone in their rebuilding journey.
Koutima shines again as Police arrest Sofapaka
Police FC forward Yves Koutiama was once again impressive for his side as they ended their four-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory over bottom-placed Sofapaka.
Since joining Police in January, the Burkina Faso striker has been a star shining in Police’s dark season and once again linked up play well against Sofapaka and was a constant threat in their defense.
For his troubles, he opened the scoresheet, banging his fourth goal since joining the defending champions.
Benson Omalla settles at Naibois
Former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the country, proving his worth over the past few seasons.
Omalla joined Naibois towards the end of January to bolster their attack but struggled to find his footing. However, the Harambee Stars forward was on target against Kakamega Homeboyz, his second goal in a week after also scoring against Bandari.
With the goals, he has now got the pressure off his shoulder and might just be ready to deliver for Naibois as the homestretch approaches.
