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FKF-PL: Tusker, Police drop points, Leopards move to fourth
AFC Leopards' Kaycie Odhiambo (right) celebrates his goal against Nairobi City Stars during their FKF Premier League match on February 2, 2025 at Dandora Stadium.
What you need to know:
- Sharks’ coach William Muluya, on the other hand, praised his players for securing a point away from home and acknowledged the challenging atmosphere created by the passionate Shabana fans at Gusii Stadium.
- “It feels good to play in a stadium that is fully packed. This is what Kenyan football needs—for players of both teams to feel motivated to perform better and showcase their skills to the world,” Muluya said.
AFC Leopards interim coach Fredrick Ambani has reaffirmed that his team remains firmly in the race for the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) title.
On Sunday, Ingwe moved to fourth in the standings with 29 points after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over struggling Nairobi City Stars at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi. Kenya Police currently top the league with 37 points, level with Tusker, who have an inferior goal difference, while defending champions Gor Mahia sit third with 31 points.
Tusker squandered a golden opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the FKF-PL standings after being held to a goalless draw by KCB at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. The brewers had a chance to move ahead after leaders Kenya Police had earlier dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Sofapaka at the same venue.
Elsewhere, Bandari defeated Murang’a Seal 2-1 at SportPesa Arena in Murang’a, while Shabana played to a barren draw against Kariobangi Sharks at Gusii Stadium in Kisii.
The clash between City Stars and Leopards was a tense affair, with Kayci Odhiambo scoring the decisive goal for the 12-time champions from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute. The penalty was awarded after Victor Otieno was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box.
Speaking after the match, Ambani expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to contend for the title if they remain consistent.
“We still have a chance (to win the FKF-PL title) because teams are dropping points. What we have to do is just collect our points. If they drop points while we collect them, then we are good to go and we are still in the race,” said Ambani.
He also noted that while he is satisfied with most areas of his squad, he is keen on reinforcing the attack.
“The quality I have in the team is just enough for me. If all the players are in good shape, I don’t need more players. I only need a player in the attacking area. If you see the other departments, they are okay and we are good to compete,” he added.
Leopards last won the FKF-PL title in 1998. Ambani has been serving in an interim capacity since the club parted ways with Czech coach Tomas Trucha in November last year.
While Kenya Police and Tusker have played 19 matches each, Ingwe and Gor Mahia have a game in hand. Police missed the chance to extend their lead after failing to secure a fifth consecutive win, while Tusker also fell short of a fourth successive victory.
Meanwhile, Shabana’s head coach Peter Okidi remained optimistic about his team’s performance despite settling for a goalless draw against Kariobangi Sharks.
“We are hopeful we will do better. We wanted to win this match but that has not been the case. We feel sad for dropping two crucial points, but we thank God for the one point, and we are going to build on it in our next game,” Okidi said.
Sharks’ coach William Muluya, on the other hand, praised his players for securing a point away from home and acknowledged the challenging atmosphere created by the passionate Shabana fans at Gusii Stadium.
“It feels good to play in a stadium that is fully packed. This is what Kenyan football needs—for players of both teams to feel motivated to perform better and showcase their skills to the world,” Muluya said.
RESULTS
Nairobi City Stars 0 AFC Leopards 1
Tusker 0 KCB 0
Murang’a Seal 2 Bandari 3
Shabana 0 Kariobangi Sharks 0