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Mathare United FC moments before kickoff [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
Mathare United is at risk of being relegated at the end of the 2021 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season after failing to win their 14th match of the campaign as the local football league resumed over the weekend under strict Covid-19 protocols.
The league was suspended on March 26 after President Uhuru Kenyatta banned all sporting activities in the country, owing to the increased Covid-19 infections.
Mathare played out to a 0-0 draw with Vihiga United, a result that left them bottom of the league standings with seven points.
Out of the 14 matches played, the Slum Boys have only registered one win against Nzoia Sugar back in February.
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AFC Leopards celebrate after beating Nzoia FC 1-0 during the FKF Premier League match at Ruaraka grounds. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
AFC Leopards closed the gap on FKF Premier League leaders Tusker to within two points after claiming an important victory over Nzoia Sugar over the weekend as football returned under strict Covid-19 protocols after seven weeks out.
The league was suspended on March 26 after President Uhuru Kenyatta banned all sporting activities in the country, owing to the increased Covid-19 infections.
Even though match fitness and player rustiness was largely expected in majority of the round 16 matches, Leopards appeared unfazed after registering a massive 1-0 win in their match against Nzoia Sugar.
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AFC Leopards Eugene Mukangula dribbles past Peter Gin of Nzoia FC during an FKF Premier league match at Ruaraka grounds. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]
Caleb Olilo netted in the first half to inspire AFC Leopards to an important 1-0 victory over Nzoia Sugar FC in a tight Football Kenya Federation Premier League match played at Ruaraka grounds which hosted a double header on Saturday.
In Mombasa, two penalties were converted as Bandari FC rallied from a goal down to salvage a point after a 1-1 draw against Bidco United at Mbaraki Grounds.
Former Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru had given Bidco a narrow 1-0 lead from the spot in the 68th minute before William Waridi levelled the score in the 74th minute also through the penalty spot.
After superb dribbling, Austin Odhiambo came close to breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute but his final shot was stopped by Nzoia Sugar s Benson Mangala.
A minute late, Ingwe almost went behind after a misunderstanding at the back between the defenders and goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan. However, they recovered and cleared the danger.
Odhiambo once more found a way past the Nzoia Sugar defenders but his shot went out with Mangala beaten in goal in the 17th minute. Cliff Kasuti was the first player to be booked after a rough challenge on Leopards Fabrice Mugheni.
Ochan then saved Ingwe on two occasions when Nzoia Sugar found a way into the box in quick succession at the half-hour mark. Shortly after, Elvis Rupia almost punished his former side but his shot hit the woodwork and the rebound was cleared by the recovering visitors.
The league will start with one game on Friday - Kariobangi Sharks playing Kakamega Homeboyz in Nairobi – before more matches follow on Saturday and Sunday.
AFC Leopards will host Nzoia Sugar on Saturday as they hope to pick up from where they left off.
Ingwe are third on the log after 14 games and a win against the Sugar Millers will offer them great inspiration in the pursuit of a league title that has been elusive for over two decades.
They are behind Tusker – who are at the top with 36 points – and second-placed KCB - who have played more games than them.