Kenya Police stumble as Talanta drown Tusker to hand Gor upper hand in KPL title chase

Kenya Police FC’s grip on the FKF Premier League (FKF-PL) summit weakened Wednesday after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Kakamega Homeboyz in a high-energy encounter at the Mumias Sports Complex.

Homeboyz made their intentions clear early, with Moses Shumah breaking the deadlock in the 8th minute. However, the league leaders responded swiftly, Mohammed Bajaber netting the equalizer just six minutes later.

But the hosts came out firing in the second half, with Glen Otunga restoring Homeboyz’s lead just two minutes after the restart with police failing to recover.

The defeat leaves Police still at the top of the table with 58 points, but now vulnerable with just three matches remaining.

Their closest rivals, Tusker FC, also failed to seize the opportunity and fell 2-0 to FC Talanta in another shock result. The Brewers remain second on 55 points, three behind Police.

Third-placed Gor Mahia will be eyeing a big opportunity when they take on bottom-placed Nairobi City Stars on Thursday. A win for K’Ogalo would lift them to 56 points, just two shy of Police, with a game in hand, placing them firmly in the title conversation.

Elsewhere, Shabana FC continued their late-season surge with a 2-1 win over Bidco United, bringing them to within a point of Gor Mahia and six adrift of leader Police FC.

Coach Peter Okidi calling for focus on their remaining matches to ensure a strong finish and a stab at the title.

“The games are becoming difficult as the league nears its end. For us we just need to keep on working and push for the next game. We will keep our focus until the last match,” said Okidi.

In the other result of the day, Posta Rangers played to a 1-1 draw with Ulinzi Stars at Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Rangers head coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo remained upbeat about his team’s chances of top-flight survival despite the dropped points. He said his side needs just one win from the remaining fixtures to guarantee a spot in next season’s league action.

“We had enough chances to win the game, honestly. But if we can’t get three points, we get one. It was important not to lose, and we appreciate the effort the players put in,” remarked coach Pamzo.

He also pointed out fatigue as a growing concern and his key players picking up injuries at a crucial stage.

“Our leading scorer Felix is worn out. The travelling and constant games are taking a toll (on him),” he noted. “But rotation helped a lot today, and Brian coming back to score shows the impact of keeping the squad fresh.”

The draw leaves Posta 14th the log, four points above relegation zone with three games remaining.

In other results, AFC Leopards claimed a 3-1 win over Mathare United, Murang’a Seal edged Sofapaka 2-0, while Mara Sugar played to a goalless draw against Bandari.