Kenya Police clinch historic FKFPL title as City Stars boost survival hopes

Kenya Police FC made history on Sunday by securing their first-ever FKF Premier League title with a game to spare following a narrow but decisive 1-0 win over Shabana FC at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Brian Okoth rose highest in the 75th minute to nod home from a corner, delivering the only goal of a tense encounter and sealing a momentous triumph for the law enforcers, who now sit on 64 points, mathematically out of reach for any challenger.

Police had earlier hit the post and controlled large spells of the match, while Shabana created a few chances of their own but couldn’t breach the champions’ disciplined backline.

Gor Mahia’s 3-2 victory over Ulinzi Stars at the Ulinzi Sports Complex proved academic in the title race, with the result only securing their grip on second place. Samuel Kapen opened the scoring for Gor early on before Yakeen Mutheli leveled for Ulinzi.

In the second half, Austin Odhiambo restored Gor’s lead and Benson Omalla added a third with a composed finish. Michael Otieno pulled one back for Ulinzi in the 71st minute, but Gor held out for the win, which takes them to 58 points, still six behind the newly crowned champions.

Elsewhere, AFC Leopards continued their strong finish to the season with a 3-1 win over FC Talanta at Dandora Stadium. Kayci Odhiambo converted a first-half penalty before Ronald Shichenje netted twice, including a goal that followed a slick team move involving Christopher Koloti.

Talanta scored late but couldn’t threaten a comeback, though AFC ended the match with ten men after Kennedy Owino received a second yellow card.

Nairobi City Stars took a significant step toward avoiding relegation with a 2-1 win away to KCB at the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a.

Benjamin Murimi fired the opener, and an own goal from KCB’s John Mwangi extended the lead before Vincent Ondabu responded with a goal for the hosts. City Stars defended resolutely in the dying minutes to earn three vital points.

Sofapaka continued their end-of-season resurgence with a 2-1 win over Posta Rangers at Utalii Grounds. Baron Ochieng gave Batoto ba Mungu the lead, and after Rangers equalised shortly after the break, Rodgers Kipkemoi struck the winner to seal back-to-back victories for the in-form side.

Tusker FC, still reeling from their 7-1 collapse against Sofapaka in the previous round, were held to a goalless draw by Kariobangi Sharks at Ruaraka Grounds. The result formally ended any remaining hopes of a strong league finish for the brewers, who had already dropped out of title contention.

Mathare United and Bandari also played out a goalless stalemate at Kasarani Annex, a result that offered little clarity in the survival race. Over in Awendo, Mara Sugar and Murang’a SEAL shared the spoils in another scoreless affair that left both clubs with work to do heading into the final round.

In Thika, Bidco United dominated early proceedings but were undone by an early goal from Hillary Otieno as Kakamega Homeboyz held on for a 1-0 win. Bidco came close several times in the first half but lacked the finishing edge to overturn the deficit.

With one match remaining, the title is already decided, and attention now shifts to the battle for survival and the race to finish in the top half of the table.

For Kenya Police, it's mission accomplished, a campaign defined by consistency, defensive solidity, and a touch of history.

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• FKF Premier League
• Kenya Police FC
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• Kenya Police clinch historic FKFPL title as City Stars boost survival hopes
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