Tusker, the defending champions, claimed the top spot in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Vihiga Bullets, who are at the bottom of the league, suffered relegation following a 1-0 loss to FC Talanta at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega. The win was crucial for Coach Ken Kenyatta’s team as it helped them move away from the relegation zone.
With only four games remaining, Vihiga Bullets, who have accumulated eight points, can only reach a maximum of 20 points if they win all their remaining matches. Mathare United and Wazito, ranked 17th and 16th respectively, currently have 22 and 24 points.
At Muhoroni Stadium in Kisumu County, Wazito climbed above Mathare United to secure the 16th spot with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over 10-man Posta Rangers.
The match was intense, resulting in bookings for every Posta Rangers player and member of the technical bench. Ugandan striker Deogratious Ojok opened the scoring for Tusker in the first minute of the game.
Midfielder Mike Oduor displayed excellent play on the left flank, releasing an overlapping Levin Odhiambo, whose low cross was converted by Ojok.
Despite dominating the match, Tusker wasted several opportunities in the second half that could have led to a more convincing victory. With four games remaining in the season, the brewers now lead the league table with 64 points from 30 matches.
Gor Mahia, one point behind Tusker on 63 points, will face rivals AFC Leopards on Sunday at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
“As I have said before, the title race is still tough, and today’s win was important in keeping us in the race. The results we achieve in the next four matches will be crucial in our title defence,” said Matano, an experienced tactician who has guided Tusker to back-to-back FKF-PL titles in the past two seasons. Following their loss, Kariobangi Sharks remain in the 11th position with 37 points.
In Kakamega, forward Brian Yakhama’s first-half goal condemned Vihiga Bullets to relegation, sending them back to the National Super League.
FC Talanta has now climbed to the 14th position with 31 points, the same as Bidco United, who have a superior goal difference.
“We played well, and I’m pleased with this win, which will motivate us to avoid relegation. Our focus now is on winning the four remaining matches and planning for the next season,” said Kenyatta.
In Muhoroni, Robert Onyango scored just 38 seconds into the second half, and Felix Ochieng’ doubled Wazito’s lead. Lewis Shivachi pulled one back for Posta late in the game.
Wazito now sits in 16th place on the league table with 24 points, two points ahead of Mathare United, who will face Kenya Police on Sunday at Police Sacco Stadium in South C, Nairobi.
Saturday’s Results:
Wazito 2 – Posta Rangers 1
Vihiga Bullets 0 – FC Talanta 1
Kariobangi Sharks 0 – Tusker 1.
