FKF Premier League: Kenya Police, Tusker FC drop vital points again in title race

Photo Credit - Kenya Police FC Media.

Kenya Police FC and Tusker FC dropped points again as the race for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title continued to gather momentum on Sunday.

There were no major changes in the log as leaders Police, who had an opportunity to reach 51 points, fired blanks in a drab 0-0 draw against struggling Nairobi City Stars.

The law enforcers started off with the intentions of getting goals and they should have taken the lead with only 10 minutes played when Clinton Kinanga’s header from Daniel Sakari’s long throw-in rattled the upright.

After the miss, Police were forced into an early substitution as Rashid Toha picked up an injury and was replaced by David Ochieng. Four minutes later, Police came close to break the deadlock as Kinanga’s quick snapshot flashed inches wide, with the keeper completely beaten.

Another scoring opportunity fell to the Police side in the 34th minute. Youngster Mohammed Bajaber delivered a brilliant cross, and David Okoth rose highest to meet it with a thunderous header, but the ball crashed off the goal post. In the second half, City Stars came back a rejuvenated side and they forced Police goalkeeper Job Ochieng into a fine save in the 56th minute.

Seven minutes later, Police made a double change, David Irushira and Jesse Were coming in for Alfred Leku and Kinanga before Alvin Mang’eni and Daniel Musamali were brought in for David Okoth and Brian Musa.

Despite the changes, Simba wa Nairobi remained tight at the back to deny Police a crucial win. The draw saw Police keep their top spot with 49 points accumulated from 13 wins, 10 draws and three defeats.

Meanwhile, second-placed Tusker could only afford a 1-1 draw against Mara Sugar at Awendo Green Stadium. After a 0-0 first half, Chris Erambo broke the deadlock with Tusker’s opener in the 53rd minute before Samuel Odero levelled matters for Mara Sugar in the 73rd minute.

Following the result, Tusker remained second with 48 points garnered from 13 wins, nine draws and four defeats while Mara Sugar kept their 12th spot with 29 points amassed from seven wins, eight draws and 11 defeats.

At Gusii Stadium, Shabana remained unbeaten from the last six league matches following a resounding 3-1 victory against visiting Bandari FC. Austine Odongo put Tore Bobe ahead in the 23rd minute for a 1-0 lead at the half-time break. Brian Michira doubled Shabana’s lead in the 47th minute but the Dockers reduced the deficit courtesy of Dadeki Kwale in the 69th minute.

With Bandari striving to level matters, Nehemiah Onchiri struck home the third in 86th minute to round off the emphatic victory. The win propelled Shabana to the fourth position with 40 points from 26 matches while Bandari dropped to ninth with 36 points from 26 outings.

Meanwhile, the match involving champions Gor Mahia and KCB was rained off at Machakos Stadium.