- Eight teams earned representation in the SportPesa League Team of the Week Round 13.
- The matches were played from Thursday, December 11, to Sunday, December 14.
- Nairobi United led the selection with two players, alongside representatives from Mara Sugar and KCB.
Ian Simiyu scored a second-half brace for Tusker FC on Sunday at the Kasaranі Annex, leading his side to a 2-0 victory over Sofapaka.
The result propelled the Brewers joint-top of the SportPesa League table 25/26, level on 21 points with Kenya Police FC.
The two teams are separated only by goal difference after 13 rounds of the season campaign.
ALSO READ: Tusker FC beat Sofapaka to go joint top as Akwana’s side sink further into a tailspin
The three points were precisely what the 12-time champions required to climb into second, and potentially first place.
They managed to leapfrog Gor Mahia and Kakamega Homeboyz, setting the tone for a title race that now appears open to almost ten teams, even as the competition enters its 14th round in the midweek.
While Police and Tusker lead the pack, they remain within close reach of the chasing trio: third, fourth, and fifth-placed Gor Mahia, Kakamega Homeboyz, and Posta Rangers. All three are tied on 20 points, also separated by goal difference.
However, despite the win, Tusker saw only one of their players make the Player of the Week list for round 13.
According to Tisini, the SportPesa League data analysis body, eight different clubs were represented in the selection.
Nairobi United led with two players, alongside representatives from Mara Sugar and KCB. Bandari FC, Bidco United, Gor Mahia, and Murang’a SEAL completed the roster.
Here are the starting eleven players who shone over the weekend in thrilling matches.
SportPesa League Team of the Week Round 13
Goalkeeper – Ernest Mohammed – Nairobi United
Not a regular starter for Nicholas Muyoti’s side this season, he seized his opportunity over the weekend, taking over from Kevin Odour.
He delivered when it counted, initiating the build-up to Nairobi United’s opening goal.
His distribution led to Ovella Ochieng’s assist for Michael Karamor’s strike in their 1-1 draw with Murang’a SEAL on Saturday at the Kasarani Annex.
He had a solid outing between the posts, helping his side secure a valuable point at home.
Defender – Idris Amadi – Bidco United
Put in a strong shift on Friday in a goalless draw against Mathare United at the Kasarani Stadium.
He was named Man of the Match for his crucial clearances and also created some chances. His defensive resilience was key in earning his side a point at home.
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Defender – Robinson Musungu – Mara Sugar
A consistent presence in the Team of the Week and a pillar of the Sugar Millers’ backline this season, Musungu helped his side to a 2-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday.
He was instrumental in maintaining a clean sheet at home.
Defender – Jimmy Owili – Mara Sugar
Like his teammate Musungu, Owili has been a dominant force for Edward Manoah’s squad.
On Saturday, he found the net and earned the Man of the Match honor with several key clearances and interceptions, securing three crucial points for his side.
Defensive Midfielder – Jack Onganya – KCB
Netted his first goal for the Bankers and was named Man of the Match, helping his team secure three points away with a 2-1 victory over Ulinzi Stars on Friday.
Defensive Midfielder – Geoffrey Ojunga – Bandari FC
Proved the savior for Bandari, netting the equalizer to hold Gor Mahia to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at Mbaraki Sports Club.
The goal punished his former club, where he developed in their youth system. He controlled the midfield, creating opportunities throughout the encounter.
Winger – Ian Simiyu – Tusker FC
Struck both goals for the Brewers in their 2-0 win over Sofapaka, moving them level on points with Kenya Police (21).
Named Man of the Match, he also crafted several shooting chances and made vital clearances to preserve the clean sheet.
Winger – Ovella Ochieng – Nairobi United
Provided an assist in his side’s 1-1 draw with Murang’a SEAL, setting up Michael Karamor for his third goal of the season.
He was named Man of the Match after contributing multiple shot attempts and defensive clearances in a hard-fought home point.
Central Midfielder – Stephen Etyang – KCB
Was a rock in midfield and scored the opener for the Bankers in their 2-1 away win over Ulinzi Stars on Thursday- their second consecutive league victory.
Forward – Joe Irungu – Murang’a SEAL
Scored the crucial equalizer on Saturday as his side snatched a point against Nairobi United at the Kasarani Annex.
He has been a reliable performer for SEAL despite the team’s inconsistent form this season.
Forward – Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw – Gor Mahia
Had an influential match on Saturday before being substituted against Bandari FC.
He scored Gor Mahia’s solitary goal following a fine assist by Shariff Musa and was named Man of the Match for his multiple goal attempts and presence in the penalty area.
ALSO READ: SEAL’s Kiplangat & Ulinzi’s Paul Okoth lead the way for SportPesa League Team of the Week Round 10
SportPesa League Coach of the Week – Round 13: Edward Manoah – Mara Sugar
Demonstrated tactical brilliance in a 2-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday at Awendo Green Stadium.
The win marked back-to-back victories, lifting his side to ninth place on the log with 17 points.
