Thomas Omale’s early goal in the first half was enough to secure three points for Tusker FC, who bounced back from their setback against Shabana FC last weekend.
They triumphed over Bandari FC 1-0 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on Wednesday evening.
The result means that Charles Okere’s side has moved to the top of the table with 30 points, overtaking KCB, who had held the position for a while.
The 12-time Kenya top-flight champions are now on track to clinch the title they last won in 2021. They have won nine matches, drawn three, and suffered four defeats.
Meanwhile, Bandari FC traveled to Machakos having lost just two matches this season.
However, they were handed their third defeat and second consecutive loss, following a 2-0 setback against AFC Leopards in December.
Ken Odhimabo’s side has now gone five matches without a win and occupies the seventh spot on the table with 22 points from 16 matches.
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Okere made some changes to his squad as the team received a boost from Chrispine Erambo, and top scorer Ryan Ogam returned from national team duties in Zanzibar.
The first quarter of the match remained cagey before Omale broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, scoring his first-ever goal for Tusker and his first in the top flight.
Bandari equalized in the 34th minute with a shot from Beja Nyamawi, but Tusker’s goalkeeper Brian Opondo denied him with a crucial save.
In the first half, Bandari FC made their last attempt in the 45th minute with a free kick from John Macharia, but it didn’t find the back of the net as Brewers went into halftime leading.
In the second half, there was no change from the first as both teams made several attempts, but the score remained the same. Tusker took all three points with a 1-0 win.
Tusker’s next assignment will be against Gor Mahia on Sunday, January 19, while Bandari will face in-form Shabana FC on the same day.
Elsewhere, Marvin Nabwire’s late goal handed Police FC their seventh unbeaten match under their new head coach, Etienne Ndayiragije.
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They narrowly defeated Posta Rangers 3-2 in a rescheduled FKF Premier League match on Wednesday afternoon at the same venue.
Posta Rangers broke the deadlock in the second minute when Police FC goalkeeper Job Ochieng made an error, losing the ball to Shami Mwinyi Kibwana, who was close by and took advantage to score.
However, just three minutes later, the law enforcers equalized with a header from Brian Okoth, who capitalized on a free kick delivered by Abud Omar.
In the second half, substitute Alfred Leku put Police FC ahead with a goal from a throw-in in the 65th minute. Four minutes later, Posta Rangers responded with a well-executed tactical move by Oliver Maloba to level the score.
In additional time, Marvin Nabwire secured the victory for Police FC with a decisive goal.
The win lifts them to third place, one spot higher than their previous fourth position, with 27 points from 15 matches. They are the only team with fewer defeats, having lost just two matches.
On the other hand, Posta Rangers, who recently appointed former Shabana FC head coach Sammy Omollo, remain at the bottom of the 18-team table with 14 points from 16 matches.
Posta Rangers’ next match is against Sofapaka on Sunday, January 19th, while Police will travel to face Murang’a SEALS the same day.