Police move closer to league title, Sofapaka hit sorry Tusker 7-1

The law enforcer’s victory, coupled with Tusker FC 7-1 drubbing by Sofapaka at Dandora Stadium and Gor Mahia’s goalless draw away to Murang’a Seal, gave Police a comfortable cushion in the final stretch of the season.

David Simiyu scored the all-important goal in the 15th minute to increase Police FC’s tally to 61 points, six above Tusker and seven clear of reigning champions Gor Mahia who have a game in hand against arch-rivals AFC Leopards.

At Dandora, Jack Onganya’s hat-trick and a brace from Edward Ondimo inspired Sofapaka’s 7-1 win that spelled the unofficial end of Tusker's hopes of reclaiming the league title.

Rodgers Kipkemoi and Wyne Messi strikes apiece completed a miserable afternoon for the Brewers who came in the match reeling from another defeat (2-0) to Talanta FC last Wednesday.

A rampant first-half display saw Tusker absorb four unanswered goals from Batoto ba Mungu and the 2009 champions added one more in the 55th minute through Kipkemoi before the Charles Okere-coached side pulled one back at the hour mark.

Ondimo completed his brace in the 83rd minute before Onganya sealed his hat-trick four minutes later as Sofapaka ended their winless streak to move seventh on the log on 43 points.

At Sebastian Park, a resolute defence saw relegation-threatened Murang’a Seal frustrate Gor Mahia to a 0-0 draw.

K’Ogalo remained third in the standings on 54 points and are winless in the last two matches after suffering a 2-1 defeat to City Stars on Thursday.

Leopards held

Bandari and Leopards shared the spoils in a goalless stalemate on Sunday afternoon at Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa, in a match heavily affected by persistent rainfall.

Both sides started cautiously on the soaked pitch, with the slippery conditions clearly impacting the tempo and quality of play.

Chances were few and far between in the first half, with Bandari’s forwards Beja Nyamawi and Alfred Emoni kept at bay by a resolute Leopards defense.

On the other end, AFC’s Victor Omune and Musa Oundo struggled to find their footing, failing to register shots on target.

The first half ended 0-0, leaving everything to play for in the second period.

Bandari made an attacking change at the break, bringing on promising youngster Izzadin Juma to replace Robert Onyango in a bid to inject creativity into their forward line.

AFC Leopards had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 65th minute when Bobeto Ronald was brought down inside the box.

However, Brian Wanyama’s penalty was expertly saved by Bandari goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo, who kept his side in the game.

The hosts pressed on, introducing William Gitama and Suleiman Kahema to add pace and urgency to their attack.

Despite dominating the latter stages, Bandari couldn't find the breakthrough, and the match ended in a goalless draw.

Speaking after the match, Bandari head coach Ken Odhiambo remained optimistic despite the result.

"The slippery ground made it difficult for us to execute our game plan. We knew AFC would press high, so we wanted to catch them on the counter. They played cautiously, so we had to adjust and bring in our young talents Izzadin, Willy, and Suleiman to add speed and penetration,” said Odhiambo.

AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani was satisfied with the outcome, considering the conditions.

“We couldn’t play our usual game because of the heavy rain. We had to change our tactical approach, but I’m happy with how the players adapted. It’s actually a positive for us since we’re used to training in such conditions in Nairobi,” said Ambani.