The 2018/2019 edition of the Kenya Premier League KPL kicked off on Saturday 8 with four matches played in what turned to be a low scoring weekend which saw a total of seven goals scored.
Gor Mahia started their title defense on a sour note after losing to Bandari 2-1 on Saturday at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.
Bandari, who are last season’s runners-up, took an early lead through Ugandan forward William Wadri on the stroke of halftime via a firm header from a well-weighted Yema Muama cross.
David Kingatua made it 2-0 in the 55th minute before K’Ogalo’s new signing Nicholas Kipkurui scored the consolation goal for the visitors in the 75th minute from a goalmouth melee.
At Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega Homeboyz gave newly promoted KCB a rude welcome with a 1-0 defeat.
The Bankers, led by former Wazito head coach Frank Ouna, were undone by Max Ravel’s clever shot inside the 18-yard area, that indeed beat Peter Manyika and his back line proof, just ten minutes from the second half.
KCB found the going tough when they were reduced to ten men when Shami Kibwana received marching orders for a double clutch challenge on Moses Mudavadi.
Elsewhere, Western Stima made a sweet comeback to the top flight with a 1-0 over Posta Rangers in a closely contested match at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
The Sammy Omollo-coached Rangers created many chances but failed to convert them into goals.
Wesley Kemboi scored the lone goal for power men on 64th minute by sending the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Levis Opiyo, who failed to hold a powerful volley following a goalmouth melee.
At Kasarani Stadium, ten-man Mathare United beat Chemelil Sugar 2-0. Goalkeeper Job Ochieng’ was shown a straight red card late in the second half after a foul on Lucas Waitere, a decision that forced coach Francis Kimanzi to play the remainder of the game without a striker.
Cliff Nyakeya had given Mathare United the lead from the spot in the fifth minute before Alwanga doubled the advantage with a thumping header just nine minutes later.
Sunday
Sunday started with a tricky affair at the Machakos Stadium where Sofapaka took on Mount Kenya United in a fixture that didn’t disappoint after producing three goals.
Mount Kenya United, who will have to sort out their defense heading into the next game, were to find themselves behind after John Avire towered above their defense on the 42nd minute to head Medo Melis’ side into the lead.
Stephen Waruru doubled the score from the spot in the 53rd minute after substitute Kepha Aswani was brought down in the box by Amani Kyata.
Amani Kyata redeemed himself with a consolation through a penalty goal in the 75th minute after Boniface Mukhekhe was fouled inside the area by Humphrey Okoti forcing referee Agnetta Itubo to point to the spot.
Mount Kenya United were dealt an injury blow at the 86th minute after goalkeeper Phillip Odhiambo suffered a concussion after landing awkwardly from an aerial challenge.
With all the three substitutions exhausted captain John Njoroge was forced to wear the gloves and stand in between the sticks for the remaining minutes.
Dubbed the game of the week, 13-time league champions AFC Leopards rallied from a goal down to hold 10-man Kariobangi Sharks to a 1-1 draw at the same rained-off Machakos turf.
Harrison Mwendwa drew first blood at the quarter hour mark before Robinson Kamura equalized from the spot after Sharks defender Geoffrey Shiveka handled inside the box for level pegging at the break.
Visiting Nzoia United beat hosts Zoo Kericho 1-0 in an entertaining match that was attended by thousands of fans at the Kericho Green Stadium. Jackson Dwang scored the lone goal in the 68th minute of the game.
At Bukhungu Stadium, Vihiga United registered a 2-0 win over favorites Ulinzi Stars in a closely contested match.
Midfielders Victor Ademba and Stephen Wakanya scored a goal apiece in the first half to sink the 2010 champions.
