Shabana FC secured their first win of the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season, defeating Kenya Police 1-0 at Gusii Stadium on Sunday.
The victory, achieved after seven matches, ended Police’s unbeaten run to start the season. Heading into the fixture, Police had been one of two teams yet to lose, alongside Bandari FC.
Shabana, on the other hand, had recorded three draws and three defeats in their first six matches. The Kisii-based Glamour Boys had to wait until the 35th minute when striker Vincent Nyabuto scored the decisive goal.
Police, under coaches Salim Babu and Anthony Kimani, had a chance to equalise in the 77th minute, but midfielder Francis Kahata mis-hit the ball despite being in a good position to score.
Six points up
Following the win, Shabana climbed to 16th place in the 18-team league table with six points, while Police remained above them with the same number of points, having secured one win, three draws, and one loss.
Tore Bobe interim coach Peter Okidi expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, praising their strong start which made it difficult for their opponents to get an early goal, as they had in previous matches.
“Today, we played a great game, securing our first win in the Kenyan Premier League,” Okidi averred, noting that the victory was a significant milestone for the team.
He added that it would serve as a confidence booster as they look to improve their standing in the league.
Okidi also highlighted the teamwork and determination his players showed in overcoming challenges from previous matches.
“With this first win, we hope to build momentum and continue our upward trajectory to showcase our potential against stronger opponents,” he added.
Police learn a lesson
Police FC coach Kimani acknowledged the challenges his team faced during the match but stressed the importance of learning from the experience to improve in future games.
“The team remains focused on their goals and is determined to bounce back stronger in the upcoming fixtures.”
Meanwhile, Mara Sugar head coach George Midenyo was sent off as AFC Leopards rallied to snatch a 1-1 draw against the promoted side.
Mara looked the better team in the opening exchanges, but they had to wait until the 43rd minute to grab the lead against the run of play. Meshack Karani latched onto a through ball from Brian Ochieng to stun the Ingwe faithful.
In the second half, Midenyo was shown a straight red card after an argument with the match officials.
With Mara looking to seal maximum points, Sydney Lokale saved the day for Ingwe by scoring a well-executed equalizer off a cross from Clifton Miheso in stoppage time.
The draw left Mara in second place with 15 points, two behind table leaders KCB, while Ingwe dropped to fifth with 11 points from three wins, two draws, and three defeats.
In another match, Bandari’s unbeaten start came to an end after losing 2-0 at home to visiting Bidco United. Bidco scored the opener in the 42nd minute when Marvin Amuka converted a pass from Peter Nzuki.
Two minutes later, Clinton Asiago bundled home a second for a 2-0 lead at halftime.
The victory saw Bidco rise to 10th position with nine points from two wins, three draws, and three defeats, while the Dockers dropped to fourth with 12 points.
Elsewhere, Kakamega Homeboyz earned their second win of the campaign, thrashing Murang’a Seal 2-0 at SportPesa Arena.
Oliver Majak opened the scoring for Abana Beingo in the 34th minute before Moses Shumah made it 2-0 in the 50th minute, assisted by John Omondi.
Homeboyz are now 14th with eight points, while Murang’a Seal dropped to 11th with nine points.
