The 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) title is now firmly within reach for Kenya Police FC, who bounced back to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Talanta on Sunday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Their title chances received a major boost after closest challengers Tusker and Gor Mahia dropped points. Tusker endured a crushing 7-1 defeat to Sofapaka at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi, while defending champions Gor Mahia were held to a goalless draw by relegation-threatened Murang’a Seal at SportPesa Arena in Murang’a.
Following Sunday’s Round 32 matches, Kenya Police now top the table with 61 points — six clear of second-placed Tusker. Gor Mahia sit third with 54 points, but have one game in hand.
To secure their maiden FKF-PL title, Police need just one win from their remaining two fixtures — against Shabana and Gor Mahia. A victory in either will lift their tally to an unassailable 64 points.
Tusker’s final fixtures are against Kariobangi Sharks and Kakamega Homeboyz, while Gor still have a demanding run-in with matches against fierce rivals AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars, and Kenya Police.
In other FKF-PL results on Sunday, Kakamega Homeboyz edged out Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 at Dandora Stadium, Mara Sugar stunned Shabana 1-0 at Gusii Stadium, while Nairobi City Stars and Posta Rangers played to a 1-1 draw at Kenyatta Stadium
The Golden Boot race also intensified. Homeboyz striker Moses Shumah moved to the top of the scorers’ chart with 17 goals after netting in their win over Sharks. He had been tied on 16 goals with Talanta’s Emmanuel Osoro, who failed to score against Police.
Forward David Simiyu’s 15th-minute strike was enough to earn Police a crucial three points and keep their dream of a first-ever FKF-PL title alive.
Sofapaka’s emphatic 7-1 thrashing of Tusker stands as the biggest victory of the 2024/25 FKF Premier League season so far.
Defensive midfielder Jack Onganya scored a rare hat-trick, while Edward Omondi bagged a brace. Rodgers Kipkemoi and Dalvine Wayne Wyne netted the other two goals for the 'Batoto ba Mungu', who moved to seventh on the table with 43 points.
Tusker, second in the standings and title hopefuls, were left reeling after the heavy defeat at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi — a result that significantly dented their championship ambitions.
Kakamega Homeboyz, now on 54 points, leapfrogged Shabana into fourth place following their 2-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks.
At Gusii Stadium, Shabana fell 1-0 to Mara Sugar after midfielder Justine Omwando turned the ball into his own net in the 42nd minute while attempting to clear a cross from Cyrus Oucho. Once ahead, the Cane Millers defended resolutely and thwarted any attacking threat from the home side.
Mara coach Edward Manoah praised his players for the hard-fought win and said they had prepared extensively for the crucial tie.
“We had to prepare well for this match because Shabana have been playing well both at home and away. If someone were to ask me which is the most improved team, then I must say it is them. We hope this win will help us gain the momentum and the stability needed to maintain our league status,” said Manoah.
This was Manoah’s second match in charge of the Narok-based side, having been recently appointed to steer the team to safety. His first match ended in a 0-0 draw with Bandari last weekend. Following the win, Mara Sugar rose from 15th to 13th place with 35 points.
In a surprising twist, Shabana head coach Peter Okidi declined to give a post-match interview for the first time since his appointment late last year. The young tactician is typically vocal after matches, especially following positive results.
Meanwhile, Bandari and AFC Leopards played to a goalless draw at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa. Bandari coach Ken Odhiambo blamed the soggy pitch conditions caused by ongoing heavy rains in the coastal city.
“The game was definitely good but if there was no slippery pitch, the match would have been better and my boys would have done well. We’re preparing for our last two matches against Mathare United in Nairobi and Posta Rangers at home,” said Odhiambo.
AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that the rainy conditions disrupted his team’s style of play.
“The rain spoiled the sweetness of this match in which the players failed to play to their standards due to the slippery pitch. We are preparing the derby match as any other match because we consider all matches to be important,” Ambani said.
Leopards currently sit sixth on the log with 46 points, four ahead of eighth-placed Sofapaka.
