FKFPL Wrap: Gor maintain unbeaten streak, Ingwe finally win back-to-back as Shabana score five

From goals, tears to late drama, the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) match week 18 had everything to offer. 

Some of the clubs including Gor Mahia, Tusker FC and Nairobi City Stars continued with their excellent run while the likes of Murang’a Seal and Nzoia Sugar had a weekend to forget.

The Robert Matano coached Tusker side thrashed Sofapaka 3 -1 to make it five wins in a row as they jumped to third place in the FKFPL standings with 31 points, nine behind leaders Gor Mahia who maintained their unbeaten start.

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On the other hand, City Stars registered their 10th win of the season after narrowly edging past pre-match favorites Posta Rangers with a 1- 0 score line.

However, the situation was different for Nzoia Sugar and Murang’a Seal as they both suffered defeats in the competitive league.

Here is a wrap of how things went down in match week 18. 

Christopher Ochieng’s worldie helps Gor Mahia overcome Kariobangi Sharks 

Defending champions Gor Mahia needed a moment of magic from substitute Christopher Ochieng to pick up three points against a solid Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday.

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Ochieng, who was introduced with less than half an hour remaining to the end of the regulation time, scored a beauty of a goal in the dying moments of the encounter which was played in Machakos. 

He unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box which gave Sharks’ goalkeeper Sepstianos Wekesa no chance. 

The narrow win ensured the Jonathan McKinstry charges maintained their unbeaten run as they stayed in control of the title race.

However, besides the goal, K’Ogalo were far from their best, something which the team will have to rectify before the huge game against rivals Tusker FC on Saturday, January 20. 

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AFC Leopards register two consecutive wins for the first time this season

The Ingwe fraternity had a peaceful weekend for the second consecutive weekend this season after beating Muhoroni Youth.

Jaffari Owiti’s early first half goal was enough to give the Tomas Trucha tutored side a huge win in a match staged at the Mambo Leo grounds in Kisumu. 

The win which was Ingwe’s fourth of the season helped them climb to the 12th position in the log with 21 points. 

Up next for the multiple champions is a tough clash against Simba wa Nairobi on Sunday, January 21. 

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Flying start for Pamzo as Shabana demolish Nzoia Sugar

Newly appointed Shabana FC manager Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo had a debut to remember with the Kisii-based club. 

The veteran tactician who has had coaching stints with the likes of Mahakama FC and Posta Rangers in the past guided Shabana to a huge 2-5 win over minnows Nzoia Sugar.

Debutant Mathew Momanyi and Justine Omwando each scored a brace in that memorable match which was played at Sudi Stadium.

Mark Okola was also on the score sheet for Shabana with Nzoia Sugar’s goals coming courtesy of Emmanuel Osoro and Salim Murunga.

The defeat left Nzoia Sugar struggling to breathe at the bottom of the log with 13 points, four behind Shabana who climbed to position 16. The latter has amassed 17 points so far this season. 

The match week ended with Gor Mahia having a seven-point lead at the top of the table with 16 games left to play.

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FKFPL Match week 18 results 

Tusker FC 3 - 1 Sofapaka FC

Ulinzi Stars 0 - 0 KCB FC

Nairobi City Stars 1 - 0 Posta Rangers

Muhoroni Youth 0 - 1 AFC Leopards

Bidco United 0 - 1 Police FC

Murang’a Seal 0 - 1 FC Talanta

Nzoia Sugar 2 - 5 Shabana FC

Gor Mahia 1 - 0 Kariobangi Sharks

Kakamega Homeboyz 0 - 0 Bandari FC