FKFPL Wrap: Gor reclaim bragging rights, irate Tusker fans confront Matano as Seal jump to third

By Tony Kipkorir

Record Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia FC continued with their dominance against perennial rivals AFC Leopards as they clinched the bragging rights in the 94th Mashemeji Derby staged on Saturday 7 October 2023 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Well-taken goals in each half from clinical forward Benson Omalla was enough to hand Gor Mahia the 2-0 victory as Ingwe sunk into the relegation territory. 

Elsewhere, Murang’a Seal, who are also sponsored by SportPesa, continued with their impressive start in the topflight as they climbed to position three thanks to a 2-0 win over troubled Sofapaka FC at the SportPesa Arena.

Police FC registered a back-to-back wins for the first time this season since the appointment of ex-Gor Mahia manager Zdravko Logarusic as they beat Nairobi City Stars 1-0. Here is a wrap of the weekend action.

Gor Mahia deepen AFC Leopards’ woes 

K’Ogalo humbled winless AFC Leopards during the Mashemeji Derby staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Omalla was the star of the match, scoring a picture-perfect goal earlier in the first half after receiving a delicious pass from Austin Odhiambo. The Kisumu Day alumni then netted again in the second half after excellent work from Patrick Sibomana on the right wing. 

His brace entered his name into history books as one of the few players to have bagged two goals in the Mashemeji Derby.

“For me it is another three points. And the supporters, I am sure our board of directors as well, the players will really be excited and happy about it. But for me and the coaching staff, it is now all eyes on Tusker in two weeks’ time,” Gor Mahia boss Johnathan McKinstry noted.

Robert Matano confronted by fans after Shabana loss

A section of irate Tusker FC fans had a heated exchange with coach Robert Matano after the Brewers succumbed to a narrow 1-0 loss against Shabana on Friday.

Matano requested them to talk with the players but the supporters were having none of it, arguing that he was the problem.

Tusker has had one of their slowest starts to the season, winning only two matches and failing to take the maximum points against Kariobangi Sharks and Talanta FC. 

The Brewers, who currently sit 7th in the league standings with eight points, are scheduled to play Gor Mahia after the international break with the match slated for Saturday October 21.

Erick Ombija bags first hat-trick of the season

Talanta FC forward Erick Ombija produced a spectacular performance over the weekend as he bagged the first hat-trick of the 2023/2024 FKFPL season in their 3-3 draw with Kakamega Homeboyz.

Ombija scored his first goal of the match in the 37th minute before putting Talanta level five minutes later. He completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute after converting a penalty. 

However, despite his heroics, Gor Mahia goal machine Omalla still leads the golden boot race with six goals.

Murang’a Seal continue impressive streak

Debutants Murang’a Seal picked their fourth win in six games over the weekend after claiming a 2-0 victory over Sofapaka to extend their impressive start to the campaign.

A brace from John Kiplagat got the job done for the Murang’a based side who moved upto third place on the log table, level on 12 points with Gor Mahia but four adrift table topping Posta Rangers.

Four clubs are expected to play their week 6 fixtures on Monday, October 9 as KCB FC visit Muhoroni Youth while Bidco welcome coastal-based side Bandari FC at Kasarani Annex.

The matches are slated for 3:00 pm. 

FKFPL Week 6 Results

AFC Leopards 0 - 2 Gor Mahia

Murang’a Seal 2 - 0 Sofapaka

Nairobi City Stars 0 - 1 Police FC

Kakamega Homeboyz 3 - 3 Talanta

Ulinzi Stars 1 - 0 Kariobangi Sharks

Posta Rangers 2 - 0 Nzoia Sugar

Tusker FC 0 - 1 Shabana FC