Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Gor Mahia were held to a 1-1 draw by Sofapaka at Moi International Sports Complex on Saturday, August 26, 2023.

It is not the kind of start K’Ogalo would have wanted as they begin their title defense campaign, but the result should be welcomed on the Sofapaka side after they managed to hold the local heavyweights.

Kevin Juma, Rooney Onyango, and Lawrence Juma were the new signings who featured for K’Ogalo, while Sofapaka deployed a rather new side led by the new head coach, Francis Haringingo.

Chances

Meanwhile, Sofapaka came close to breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute, but Abdul Razak, who returned to Batoto ba Mungu amid high expectations, could not beat Caleb Otieno in Gor Mahia’s goal.

Gor Mahia threatened with five minutes to go to the half-time break, but Onyango was fouled by Sofapaka’s Darius Msagha, thereby ending the attacking move launched by the champions.

Just after he was yellow-carded for bringing down Onyango, Msagha scored for Sofapaka in the 42nd minute. With remarkable calmness, Msagha scored with his left foot to stun Gor Mahia.

Sofapaka held tight to their lead but were undone by a late penalty that gave Gor Mahia a chance to equalise. Benson Omala, the club’s top scorer last season, scored from the spot in the 82nd minute to ensure they picked up a point on their season’s opening day.

Tusker win

At Mbaraki Sports Ground, Tusker claimed crucial points after beating Bandari 1-0.

Deogratius Ojok scored the only goal of the game that gave numerically disadvantaged Tusker the win. Despite David Odoyo getting a red card in the 58th minute, the Brewers fought hard to keep Bandari at bay and claim a win and a clean sheet.

Tusker would have registered a win with a bigger scoreline had Erick Kapaito scored in the 75th minute. The former Kariobangi Sharks forward received a curled pass from Mie Oduor, only for him to send the ball wide on his Tusker competitive debut.

Bandari were left to rue chances that went unconverted, especially in the first half.

At Kasarani Annex, Police FC and Kariobangi Sharks shared points following a 0-0 draw.

After a spending spree in the transfer window, Police, who had Kenneth Muguna and Tyson Otieno as their new high-profile signings, could not beat Sharks.

Nzoia stun Ulinzi

Finally, Nzoia Sugar, who suffered after losing most of their players to their rivals, started the campaign with a 2-1 win over Ulinzi Stars at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.

Benjamin Mosha scored for the Soldiers at the half-hour mark before Haki Victor equalised for the Sugar Millers, who grabbed the lead in stoppage time when Joseph Oyugi found the back of the net.