FKF Premier League: Title-chasers Kenya Police FC, Tusker suffer major setbacks

Photo Credit - Kakamega Homeboyz Football CLUB.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title race took another interesting twist on Wednesday as both Kenya Police and Tusker missed their chances to strengthen their campaigns, each suffering defeat in their respective matches.

First, the law enforcers failed to add three vital points to their tally at the top of the table after they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Kakamega Homeboyz at Mumias Complex. The Brewers, who are placed second, also failed to take advantage after going down 2-0 against struggling FC Talanta.

For Kenya Police, they found themselves trailing in the fifth minute when the home side were awarded a penalty following a foul on Ben Saul.

Homeboyz lead striker Moses Shummah stepped up to send Police goalkeeper Job Ochieng the wrong way, taking a 1-0 lead, and registering his 16th league goal of the season.

Police, now rattled, kept pressing for a leveller. It arrived in the 14th minute when youngster Mohammed Bajaber found enough space inside Homeboyz’ danger zone, before curling his effort into the bottom corner, beating keeper Ibrahim Wanzala.

Police should have doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Kenneth Muguna produced a superb effort with his right foot, but Wanzala dived superbly to clear the danger. Two minutes later, Kevin Amwayi had the opportunity to make it 2-1 for Abana Beingo, but his effort went inches wide despite Ochieng being off his line.

At the start of the second half, Homeboyz retook the lead when Glen Otunga finished off a cross from Shummah. The game remained balanced, as Homeboyz resorted to defending, and they managed to keep Police at bay until the final whistle.

Despite the defeat, Police remain top with 58 points from 31 matches. They have won 16 matches, drawn ten and suffered five defeats. Meanwhile, Talanta moved out of the relegation zone following their 2-0 win against Tusker, which was orchestrated by Emannuel Osoro, who grabbed a brace.

Osoro converted a tenth-minute penalty to give Talanta an early 1-0 lead after the referee penalized George Kaddu for handling in the box. Tusker won a penalty of their own, but the returning Deogratious Ojok saw his effort saved as the hosts took a narrow 1-0 lead into the break.

In the second half, Osoro struck twice deep into stoppage time to seal maximum points for Talanta, who now sit 12th with 35 points, three points ahead of Mara Sugar, who are 15th and in the relegation and promotion play-off spot.

The Brewers remain second with 55 points from 31 matches, but they could be displaced by defending champions Gor Mahia, who face Nairobi City Stars on Thursday.