- Kakamega Homeboyz edged league leaders Kenya Police 2-1 on Wednesday, May 14, at the Mumias Sports Complex.
- The loss denied Police the chance to extend their lead to six points over Tusker and eight over Gor Mahia.
- A Gor Mahia win against Nairobi City Stars on Thursday could see them leapfrog Tusker into second with 56 points, just two behind Police—intensifying the title race.
Moses Shumah surged to the summit of the FKF Premier League scoring charts, propelling Kakamega Homeboyz to a narrow 2-1 victory over Kenya Police, who faltered yet again in their title pursuit during a midweek clash on Wednesday afternoon at Mumias Sports Complex.
Returning to the squad after missing last weekend’s fixture, Shumah opened the scoring just six minutes into the game, calmly converting a penalty after Ben Saul was brought down in the area handing the hosts an early advantage and scored his 16th goal of the season.
Kenya Police responded swiftly, restoring parity through Mohamed Bajaber just six minutes later.
The equalizer set the tone for a tense first half, which concluded in a 1-1 deadlock.
Both sides squandered clear opportunities to tilt the game in their favor – Kenneth Muguna nearly put Police ahead in the 23rd minute, but his effort was superbly denied by Ibrahim Wanjala.
Moments later, Kevin Amwayi blasted over the bar from close range.
The second half saw Francis Baraza’s side reclaim the lead within two minutes of the restart, courtesy of Glen Masava, who capitalized on a sublime assist from Ben Saul the architect behind both of Homeboyz’s goals on the day.
ALSO READ: M-Osoro for Tusker’s title hopes after shocking defeat to Talanta
The result proved a boon for record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia, who now sit third in the standings, trailing Police by just five points with a game in hand.
They are poised to capitalize on Tusker FC’s stumble, after the brewers succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against FC Talanta also in their midweek fixture.
A triumph for Gor Mahia in their Thursday fixture against Nairobi City Stars could see them overtake Tusker into second place, amassing 56 points and closing the gap on Police to just two points—setting the stage for a thrilling climax to the title race.
Shabana close in on top three after victory over Bidco United
Meanwhile, at the Gusii Stadium, Shabana moved closer to a top-three spot after edging past Bidco United 2-1.
Austin Odongo opened the scoring for Shabana with his sixth goal of the season.
Clinton Asiago equalized shortly after, but in the second half, Brian Michira restored the hosts’ lead from the penalty spot netting his 12th goal of the campaign and securing all three points for the home side.
Shabana now sit in fourth place with 52 points, just one behind third-placed Gor Mahia (53),three behind Tusker, and six adrift of leaders Kenya Police-with three matches remaining in the season.
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia boss upbeat about securing Premier League and FKF Cup double
Team Line-ups
Kakamega Homeboyz: Ibrahim Wanjala, John Omondi, Potiphar Odhiambo, Brian Eshihanda, Kevin Amwayi, Boniface Onyango, Estone Omengo, Glen Masava, Hillary Otieno, Moses Shumah, Ben Saul.
Kenya Police: Job Ochieng, Baraka Badi, Abud Omar, Brian Okoth, Charles Ouma, David Ochieng, Marvin Nabwire, Brian Musa, David Simiyu, Kenneth Muguna, Mohamed Bajaber.