Champions Police held on coronation day; Talanta, City Stars relegated

The 2024/25 Kenyan Premier League champions Police FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Gor Mahia whom they dethroned a week ago, but the stalemate could not soil their coronation on at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday.

Gor claimed the lead against the run of play with a goal from Shariff Musa, but substitute David Okoth tied the game with a near post header in the 56th minute.

At the bottom of the table, FC Talanta and Nairobi City Stars were relegated after finishing 17th and 18th respectively, as the season’s curtains came down.

The City Stars drew 0-0 in their last game in the league this season against Mathare United, while Talanta lost to Muranga 1-0, which was the last nail in the coffin as six teams were battling to avoid relegation before the match-day.

Both Talanta and City Stars finished the campaign tied on 35 points, same as Posta Rangers and Bidco United in positions 16 and 15 respectively.

Still, Posta and Talanta were tied on goal-difference of -13, but a head-to-head consideration favoured Posta as they won against FC Talanta in the second leg (2-1) after drawing 0-0 in the first leg.

Thus, Posta will face Naivas FC in a promotion-relegation playoff, after the latter finished third in the National Super League concluded on Saturday.

Bidco United on their side avoided the playoff extra work despite garnering the same points with Posta as had a better goal-difference of -11.

- Failed to ignite -

At the Ulinzi Complex, the Police made two changes at half time before the restart, with Okoth and Kenneth Muguna coming on for Brian Musa and Tyson Otieno.

Gor Mahia’s Joshua Onyago was booked for a foul in the 50th minute for afoul just outside the box, as Police pushed for a leveler. Their efforts indeed paid off, as Okoth made it 1-1 with the hour-mark approaching, much to the chagrin of the charged Gor crowd.

Gor went on to later make changes with the likes of Enock Morrison and Patrick in for Alpha and Omalla, but the game failed to ignite after the game drew level and ended 1-1.

The Police ended an impressive campaign with a satisfactory show, and were officially crowned after the game. Gor on the other hand now look to the final ahead of them with optimism in an attempt for cup glory.

- Resilient Posta Rangers -

At the Mbaraki Stadium - Mombasa, Bandari FC concluded their season with a 1-1 draw against a resilient Posta Rangers side on Sunday afternoon at Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa.

Beja Nyamawi, Bandari’s top scorer this season, gave the ‘Dockers’ an early lead before former Bandari striker Felix Oluoch netted the equaliser for Posta, ensuring the visitors walked away with a crucial point.

Nyamawi opened the scoring in the 14th minute, heading home a well-delivered cross from David Sakwa to beat Rangers’ goalkeeper Bixente Otieno.

Posta Rangers nearly responded in the 30th minute when Brian Otieno unleashed a powerful 25-yard strike, but Bandari shot-stopper Faruk Shikalo produced a fine save to turn it out for a corner.

Three minutes before halftime, Posta drew level. Felix Oluoch rose highest to nod in a Musa Mohammed free kick, making it 1-1 at the break.

Rangers nearly took the lead just after the restart, with Oluoch again involved. However, his close-range effort struck the side post and went out for a goal kick.

Bandari had a golden chance to seal the win five minutes from time when Alfred Tanui was presented with an open goal but failed to convert, missing what could have been the winner.

In the end, both sides settled for a point apiece. The result was especially significant for Posta Rangers, who narrowly avoided direct relegation. They now face a lifeline through a playoff against National Super League (NSL) side Naivas FC in a bid to stay in the top flight.

Speaking after the match, Bandari Head Coach Ken Odhiambo expressed disappointment over the result.

"Compared to our last game against Mathare, this wasn’t the outcome we hoped for. I wanted a home win to close the season on a high note, but the match gave us insights into our squad depth as we prepare for the new season," the former Harambee Stars coach noted.

Posta Rangers coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo, meanwhile, remained optimistic despite missing out on three points.

"I’m proud of the effort and performance from my players. We had several chances and, had we been more clinical, we could’ve won. Nonetheless, I’m happy we’ve secured a playoff opportunity to fight for our place in the KPL," averred Pamzo, who began the season at Shabana FC before joining the mailmen midway the campaign.

Bandari FC finished the season in eighth place with 44 points, in yet another campaign of missed target.

Collated Results

Bandari FC 1-1 Posta Rangers FC

Nairobi City Stars FC 0-0 Mathare United FC

Sofapaka FC 1-2 Bidco United FC

Murang’a Seal FC 1-0 FC Talanta

Kakamega Homeboyz FC 0-0 Tusker FC

AFC Leopards 0-0 KCB FC

Gor Mahia FC 1-1 Kenya Police FC

Shabana FC 1-1 Ulinzi Stars FC

Kariobangi Sharks FC 4-1 Mara Sugar FC

Additional reporting by Amon Daju