3K FC secured their first victory of the 2026/27 SportPesa League season after edging Murang’a SEAL 2-1 in an entertaining Mlima Derby during Gameweek 3.
Glen Kariuki and Oscar Juma put the hosts two goals ahead before Michael Owen pulled one back for Murang’a SEAL in first-half stoppage time.
MSEAL thought they had taken an early lead when Josphat Lopaga found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out after play was recalled for a foul on 3K FC goalkeeper Kulwa Emmanuel.
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Kulwa was called into action moments later when Majaliwa Charo cut inside onto his favoured left foot and curled an effort towards goal, forcing the goalkeeper to turn the ball behind for a corner.
3K FC eventually broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. With acres of space in front of him, Glen Kariuki drove forward before unleashing a ferocious effort that swept past Marvin Nderitu and into the net.
The hosts doubled their advantage 10 minutes later when Juma rose highest inside the area to head past Nderitu from a beautifully delivered Alex Mwalimu pass.
Murang’a coach Dennis Odhiambo responded by making his first change, withdrawing Elly Saenyi for Elvin Barasa as the visitors searched for a way back into the derby.
SEAL eventually reduced the deficit in first-half stoppage time. Lucas Maina created the opening for Owen, who kept his composure to curl the ball past Kulwa and make it 2-1 at the break.
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3K FC started the second half on the front foot and came close to restoring their two-goal advantage from a free-kick. Ateya struck the effort cleanly, but Nderitu produced a spectacular save to turn it behind for a corner.
Murang’a responded almost immediately through substitute Michael Macharia, whose effort was blocked by Isuza and deflected behind for another corner.
The visitors continued to search for an equaliser, with their best opportunity of the second half coming from a set piece in the 77th minute. Captain Daniel Wabwire was forced to produce a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve 3K FC’s advantage.
Despite late pressure from SEAL, 3K FC held on to claim all three points in the Murima Derby.
The victory is 3K FC’s first in the SportPesa League, taking them to five points from their opening three matches after earlier draws against Mara Sugar and Bandari.
For Murang’a SEAL, the defeat leaves them with just three points from three matches after also losing to defending champions Gor Mahia.
3K FC vs Murang’a SEAL Starting Lineups
- 3K FC: Kulwa Emmanuel, Neddy Moses, Matete Victor, Daniel Wabwire (C), Isuza Timothy, Amir Ndune, Ateya Eugene, Danstan B, Oscar Juma, Alex Mwalimu, Glen Yanick
- Murang’a SEAL: Malvin Nderitu (GK), Joseph Omulama, Micheal Otieno, Dennis Munyovi (C), Paul Ngugi, Ajiy Yisuf, Majaliwa Charo, Micheal Owen, Josephat Lopaga, Lucas Maina, Elly Saeny