FKF-PL: Homeboyz go five points clear, Tusker fall

Leaders Kakamega Homeboyz Sunday opened a five-point gap at the top of Football Kenya Federation Premier League after a 3-2 win over rKCB at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani Annex.

A stone throw away, former champions Gor Mahia, who welcomed back British coach Mark Harrison, outsmarted newbies FC Talanta 2-0 at the main stadium.

Wazito, who axed experienced coach Francis Kimanzi last week, gave coach Fred Ambani a good start on his return to the club by beating Nzoia Sugar 2-1 at the Kenya Utalii Sports Club. 

In other matches of the day, defending champions Tusker's below par performance continued following a 1-0 loss to Nairobi City Stars at the Ruaraka Grounds.

At Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, bottom placed Vihiga Bullets held Bandari to 1-1  draw, while 2009 champions Sofapaka came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Bidco United at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Kakamega Homeboyz tactician Bernard Mwalala was elated with the win and said they are targeting to stay at the top as the season reaches half way.

“Winning against KCB gives us confidence to continue fighting and staying at the top. Our focus is not on the title race yet, but a game at a time. Our target at the half season is to stay at the top and we are determined on achieving that,” said Mwalala.

His opposite number Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was disappointed, blaming his shaky defence for the defeat. Otieno said they will take stock of the game and work on the weak areas before they play Posta Rangers on Tuesday.

“It is a disappointing and our defence was in shambles because of the absence of Robinson Kamura who has partnered Nahashon Alembi for us in the last 12 games

.“We gifted them easily goals but as a team we have to sit down and know what went wrong. It is good we are still on track to achieve our target," said the former Kenyan international.

Forward Yema Mwana bagged a brace to take his goal tally this season to five goals while Homeboyz's other goal was netted by Estone Esiye.

Defender Baraka Badi scored the first goal of the contest in the 15th minute from the spot for the bankers, while Homeboyz conceded another in the 85th minute through Collins Odhiambo's own goal.

Coach Bernard Mwalala's charges ended the six match winless streak against KCB and are now perched at the top on 31 points, while KCB are still second on 26 points with both teams playing 14 matches.

At the main stadium, KOgalo fans broke into song and dance as the return of their 61-year-old tactician saw them overcome a tough FC Talanta side.

Midfielder Austin Odhiambo bagged a brace in a game which the former champions dominated from the onset. Harrison, who has been recovering  rom coronavirus and jetted back to the country this week, last toom charge of K’Ogalo on December 18 when they lost to Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1 at Bukhungu Stadium.

The win saw Gor moved to fourth on the log on 25 points with a game in hand. FC Talanta, who are in their maiden season in the league, are eighth on 20 points.

Tusker's dismal show continued this season with the loss to Nairobi City Stars. Oliver Maloba struck in the 87th minute to sink the brewers, as Stars moved to tthird position on the log on 26 points after 14 matches. Tusker, who have two games in hand, are 13th on 16 points.

Goals from Michael Owino in the fourth minute and James Kinyanjui in the 85th minute helped Wazito get their third win of the season as coach Ambani made a winning start.

The consolation goal for Nzoia Sugar was netted by second half substitute Hillary Beja in the 37th minute.

By bagging the maximum points, Wazito moved out of the relegation zone to occupy 15th position with 12 points from 14 matches. 

On the other hand, Nzoia Sugar dropped to 16th and have amassed a paltry nine points from 14 games.

At Nyayo National Stadium, captain Lawrence Juma salvaged a point for Sofapaka in an entertaining clash against Bidco United. 

Juma netted in the 51st minute to cancel out Zachary Gathu's 22nd minute strike that had given the hosts the lead in the game.

Vihiga Bullets were on course for a second consecutive win were it not for Yohana Mwita's 83rd minute equaliser.

This was after Rashid Kiambathe had given the hosts the lead early into the second half.

Bandari have been relegated to sixth position on the log with 24 points with game in hand, while Bullets are still rocked at the bottom of the log on six points.