FKF-PL: Leopards edge City Stars, Tusker stop bullets to keep perfect start

AFC Leopards started the New Year in style as they beat Nicholas Muyoti's Nairobi Stars side 1-0 at the Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday evening, as the FKF-PL resumed after the Christmas break.

Cliff Nyakeya's 35th minute strike was all Leopards needed to gift Patrick Aussems' a New Year gift of the three points.

Elsewhere at Ruaraka, Tusker FC sealed their sixth straight win after stopping determined Vihiga Bullets 2-1, thanks to Deograteuos Ojok and David Majak goals. The Robert Matano coached side, top of the Premier League table with 18 points, had to rally from a goal down to win as Fredrick Ochieng had scored for Bullets barely two minutes into the match.

At the nearby Kasarani Annex, Wazito's lack of match sharpness proved too costly as Kenya Police brushed them aside 4-0, gifting new coach, Francis Baraza his first win of the season.

Goals from Marvin Nabwire, Duke Abuya, Lesley Otieno and Elvis Rupia were enough to define a thoroughly comprehensive win for the policemen.

Wazito coach, Jephas Odongo, remains upbeat despite the loss.

"This is only our second match, our first away match. We are understandably lacking in match sharpness. We also had to be forced to make five changes. But I saw enough signals in the second half that our fortunes will turn around."

Earlier at the same venue, Sofapaka sunk FC Talanta 1-0, in what was the first match of the Premier League in 2022. The only goal was scored by Ambrose Sifuna in the 25th minute.

Ruthless Posta Rangers clobbered hosts Bandari FC 1-3 at the Mbaraki Sports Club, while visitors Nzoia United edged Bidco United 0-1 at the Thika Stadium to sustain their impressive charge.

At Mbaraki, William Wadri had given Bandari an early lead before Brian Marita, Vincent Wasambo and Dwang Jackson each scored one to seal the sweet away win.

At the Nyayo National Stadium, KCB edged hosts Gor Mahia 0-1, Kennedy Owino’s strike giving the Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno coached side the important win.

Kakamega Homeboys drew one all with Kariobangi Sharks at the Bukhungu Stadium, Michael Karamor netting for the hosts before Kevin Musamali equalized four minutes from the stoppage.

Ulinzi Stars had an easy day against Mathare United at the Ulinzi Complex, bagging a 3-1 victory. Former Tusker FC striker Boniface Muchiri, Enosh Ochieng and Bernard Ongoma were on target once each for the soldiers, while Mathare’s consolation came through Donald Ange.

Back to Kasrani, Aussems, whose side has been decimated by injury, remained unsure despite the win.

"We decided to make high pressure and to press the defenders and the goal came from that (forcing turnovers).

"Once you score one goal against a side like this, it is never enough. Unfortunately we were not able to score more and had to fight until the last minute."

City Stars coach Nicholas Muyoti was a disappointed man after the final whistle, his body tone underscoring his feeling during a post-match interview.

"We started very badly. Our team confidence was down. But I’m happy we picked up in the second half. We managed to create very good chances but we didn't score.

"They got their chance after gifting them but it is back again to work and then we see how we will deal with the next one."