The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League delivered thrilling action over the weekend, with Mathare United, Kariobangi Sharks, Ulinzi Stars, and Mara Sugar taking center stage in tightly contested encounters.
Mathare United and Kariobangi Sharks battled to a goalless draw in the highly anticipated “Slumboys Derby” at Dandora Stadium on Sunday evening. Fans were treated to an entertaining clash despite the absence of goals, with both teams showcasing their trademark fluid football.
Kariobangi Sharks were the first to threaten in the 29th minute, when winger Stephen Bwire unleashed a fierce shot that Mathare’s goalkeeper Robert Mboya comfortably parried. Moments later, Bwire missed another chance, hitting the side netting after Mboya had punched away Humphrey Aroko’s dangerous cross.
Victor Ngume squandered a golden opportunity to put Sharks ahead in the 31st minute. Latching onto an incisive through-ball from Aroko, Ngume found himself one-on-one with Mboya but failed to find the target, much to the frustration of the visiting fans.
Mathare United nearly fell victim to a defensive mishap just before halftime when Erickson Mulu’s attempted clearance from a corner struck the post and went out for a throw-in.
The second half saw Mathare improve significantly. Sammy Imbuye’s impressive solo run in the 67th minute set up Meshack Ochieng, but the forward fluffed his lines at the crucial moment. Sharks substitute Fortune Omotto also came close to sealing the win late on, but his tame effort posed no threat to the ever-reliable Mboya.
In another goalless affair, Bidco United and Murang’a Seal failed to break the deadlock at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos. Despite flashes of brilliance from both sides, neither team could convert their chances into goals. The match leaves both teams with plenty to reflect on as they look to climb the league table.
Odhiambo Shines as Ulinzi Stars Edge Past Mara Sugar
Ulinzi Stars continued their impressive form with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mara Sugar at Dandora Stadium on Sunday. Staphod Odhiambo’s second-half header proved decisive as the soldiers registered their second consecutive league win.
Ulinzi dominated proceedings from the outset, with Leshan Mootian delivering a dangerous low cross in the 11th minute that Mara goalkeeper Felix Adoyo did well to intercept. Odhiambo almost opened the scoring in the 15th minute, heading Felix Otieno’s cross goalward, but Adoyo was up to the task, parrying it away for a corner.
Mara Sugar showed resilience and nearly broke the deadlock themselves in the 22nd minute when Noah Jangongo tested Ulinzi goalkeeper Ricks Omondi with a well-executed volley. Omondi responded brilliantly, making a double save to deny Jangongo a follow-up.
Ulinzi thought they had scored in the 36th minute when Enosh Ochieng’ converted Brian Kafero’s low cross. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, keeping the game on a knife-edge.
The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute. Boniface Muchiri, fresh from international duty with Harambee Stars, delivered a pinpoint freekick into the box, and Odhiambo rose highest to nod the ball past a helpless Adoyo. The goal proved enough to secure all three points for Ulinzi.
The weekend’s matches highlighted the FKF Premier League’s competitiveness, with teams like Ulinzi Stars showcasing their mettle while others, such as Mathare United and Kariobangi Sharks, entertained fans despite failing to find the net. As the season progresses, fans can expect even more thrilling action and tighter contests in the race for the league title.
