Mathare stun Murang’a Seal as Police and Leopards secure crucial FKF Premier League wins

AFC Leopards continue their impressive FKF Premier League campaign, maintaining their unbeaten run with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mombasa United to strengthen their position in the standings. (Photo: Facebook/AFC Leopards)

Kenya Police FC battled to a 2-1 victory over Posta Rangers despite playing with 10 men, while AFC Leopards edged Mombasa United 1-0 as Matchweek Seven of the FKF Premier League produced three winners and one goalless draw on Sunday.

At Bukhungu Stadium, KCB FC were held to a 0-0 draw by Kakamega Homeboyz but still moved to the top of the standings with 14 points, opening a one-point lead over second-placed Gor Mahia, who did not play this weekend.

Elsewhere, Murang’a Seal suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Mathare United, with Victor Omune Ochami scoring twice to condemn the hosts to another setback. Michael Owen Pala had briefly revived Seal’s hopes with a spectacular equaliser, but Ochami struck again late in the game to seal the victory for Mathare.

Police hold off Posta after early red card

Kenya Police had to withstand sustained pressure to claim all three points against Posta Rangers at Police Sacco Stadium, with first-half goals from Nana Asante Kusi and Erick Zakayo giving them a crucial advantage.

The hosts started brightly, but it was Kusi who broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, controlling Brian Otieno’s pass before firing into the roof of the net.

Police doubled their lead just three minutes later through Zakayo. Yves Kuotiama initiated the attack from midfield, finding Elvis Rupia, who beat his marker before setting up the former Tusker forward to finish into the bottom corner.

However, Police’s two-goal advantage was soon put under pressure when defender Charles Ouma received a straight red card for a foul on Robert Ponda, leaving the hosts to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Posta pushed for a response before the break, but Police managed to preserve their two-goal cushion heading into half-time.

The Mailmen returned with renewed urgency and eventually pulled one back in the 67th minute after Brian Otieno brought down Ponda inside the penalty area.

Mark Shaban converted the resulting spot-kick, sending goalkeeper Job Ochieng the wrong way to set up a tense finish.

Posta pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages, with Shaban and Collins Kariuki among those who threatened, but Police held firm to secure their third victory of the campaign.

The result strengthened Police’s bid for another league title, while Posta suffered their fourth defeat of the season.

Ochami brace sinks Seal despite Pala’s spectacular equaliser

Mathare United claimed a valuable 2-1 away victory over Murang’a Seal at St. Sebastian Park, with Ochami’s brace overshadowing Pala’s stunning second-half equaliser.

Mathare took the lead in the 16th minute through Ochami, leaving the hosts chasing the game as they struggled to break down the visitors’ defence.

Josephat Lopaga came close to creating an equaliser when his defence-splitting pass found Telvin Maina, but the Mathare goalkeeper reacted quickly to clear the danger.

Seal continued to push for a breakthrough before the break, with Majaliwa Charo going close twice. One of his attempts forced the goalkeeper to turn the ball behind for a corner.

The hosts eventually drew level in the 56th minute when Pala unleashed a powerful strike that beat the Mathare goalkeeper, restoring hopes of a comeback.

Pala nearly completed the turnaround seven minutes later, but his effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar. He threatened again in the 71st minute, forcing the goalkeeper into a save before Lopaga was denied on the rebound.

However, Mathare delivered a late blow in the 86th minute when Ochami found the net for a second time, completing his brace and securing all three points for the visitors.

The defeat was a setback for Seal, who had fought their way back into the contest through Pala’s spectacular equaliser. Mathare, meanwhile, picked up a crucial victory in their bid to climb out of the relegation zone.

Ceesay strike gives Leopards narrow win over Mombasa United

AFC Leopards returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Mombasa United at Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea, courtesy of Musa Ceesay’s first goal in the Kenyan Premier League.

The Gambian forward settled the contest in the 42nd minute after a well-worked attack involving Semo, who drove forward down the left flank before picking out Ceesay for a simple finish.

Mombasa had earlier threatened through a long throw that forced the Leopards goalkeeper into action, while Ingwe also created chances through Adama Kanteh and their other attacking players.

Ceesay’s goal gave Leopards a slender advantage at the break, and they looked to extend their lead after the restart.

Taddeo Lwanga came close to doubling the advantage in the 58th minute when he connected with Kanteh’s corner, but his effort went wide.

Mombasa searched for an equaliser as the game progressed, but Leopards defended their lead to secure their second league victory of the season.

The win provided a boost to Ingwe’s campaign as they continued their pursuit of the leading sides, while Mombasa remained without a victory since earning promotion to the top flight.

KCB FC missed the chance to extend their winning run after being held to a goalless draw by Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium.

The Bankers travelled to Kakamega knowing that victory would give them a three-point cushion at the top of the standings. However, Homeboyz frustrated their visitors to earn a point, although the result still allowed KCB to move clear at the summit.

KCB now have 14 points, one ahead of Gor Mahia, who remain second on 13 points despite not featuring over the weekend.

Homeboyz, meanwhile, picked up a point in their bid to turn around a difficult start to the campaign, although they remain among the teams battling near the bottom of the standings.