Gor Mahia’s interim coach, Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, faced a tense moment during their FKF Premier League clash against Posta Rangers last Saturday. With Gor Mahia struggling to break a two-game winless streak, frustrations among the fans began to mount as the match approached its final stages. The atmosphere in the stands grew uneasy, with some fans even throwing missiles toward the dugout, prompting Zico to seek shelter on the bench.
Had the game ended in a 1-1 draw, the situation could have spiraled out of control, with unrest in the crowd potentially affecting Zico’s safety as he made his way off the pitch. However, Alphonce Omija’s dramatic stoppage-time winner from a well-executed set-piece relieved the pressure on Zico and sparked jubilation in the Gor Mahia camp. The 2-1 victory kept the club within six points of league leaders Kenya Police, offering a momentary escape for Zico, who later addressed the media surrounded by GSU officers for added security.
AFC Leopards Back in the Title Race?
AFC Leopards have quietly entered the title race after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Nairobi City Stars in Dandora on Sunday. Kayci Odhiambo’s composed penalty secured all three points for Ingwe, lifting them to fourth place with 29 points—just eight points behind the leaders, Kenya Police.
Their recent resurgence has been impressive, especially after a turbulent period that saw a shocking 4-2 defeat to FC Talanta, a result overshadowed by internal unrest regarding unpaid allowances. However, since Fred Ambani took over the reins, the team has found its attacking rhythm, raising hopes for a long-awaited league title.
AFC Leopards have shown resilience in the face of adversity, and with several matches still to play, coach Ambani remains optimistic. He believes that despite the challenges, the team has the ability to stay focused and mount a serious challenge for the championship. “We are still deep in the title race. Teams are dropping points, and with the many matches remaining, we are in it. Everything is possible; we will maintain our focus and fight to the very end,” Ambani stated after the win.
Shabana’s Frustration Against Kariobangi Sharks
Shabana’s 0-0 draw with Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday left the home side frustrated. Despite creating several promising chances at Gusii Stadium, Shabana failed to capitalize on their opportunities, ending the match with a draw that marks their seventh of the season.
Sharks, who had been struggling with a six-game winless streak, fielded two of their three mid-season signings, but they too failed to convert their chances. Shabana nearly punished them late in the match when Austin Odongo squandered a golden opportunity, shooting straight at goalkeeper Sebastian Wekesa in a one-on-one situation.
While the result saw Shabana remain in fifth place with 28 points, they still maintain their push for a top-four finish. For Sharks, the point moved them up to 13th, but it was another frustrating match in a season filled with challenges. Both teams continue to search for consistency as they navigate the latter stages of the season.
Tusker and KCB’s Lifeless Stalemate
The goalless draw between KCB and Tusker left fans disappointed, as the match offered little in terms of attacking play. Tusker had a golden opportunity to seize the top spot in the league, but striker Ryan Ogam endured his second consecutive goalless game after a remarkable run of 15 goals in 14 matches. Speculation about a potential transfer to Algerian giants USM Alger has circulated, and some suggest it might be affecting Ogam’s form.
Despite the result, Tusker did have some positives. They handed a league debut to Alex Onchwari, who joined from Migori Youth last season. Onchwari’s performance impressed head coach Charles Okere, who praised the player’s resilience, noting, “A very resilient player. Waiting 18 months to play your first game and then putting in a solid 90-minute performance shows he has been working hard.”
Elsewhere, Kenya Police managed to scrape a 1-1 draw against Sofapaka, thanks to a late equalizer from Brian Okoth in the 89th minute. The result extended Kenya Police’s unbeaten run to 11 games but also allowed second-placed Tusker to have a chance to reclaim the league lead. Sofapaka had taken the lead through Ugandan midfielder Donato Okello but failed to hold on, leaving them in ninth place, still looking for their first win since January 19.
The title race remains tight, and with several teams dropping points, the remaining matches promise to offer plenty of drama. As the league progresses, teams like AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia will be hoping for consistency, while clubs such as Shabana and Tusker will look to recover from frustrating results. The competition is heating up, and the final stages of the season will surely be filled with excitement.
