Mixed fortunes on final day of 2024/25 FKF Premier League

The 2024/25 FKF Premier League season wrapped up in dramatic fashion as all 18 teams took to the pitch one last time. With the title already secured by Kenya Police FC, the focus shifted to the fight for survival, bragging rights, and final placements.

At the Ulinzi Complex, champions Kenya Police faced second-placed Gor Mahia in a thrilling encounter. Gor, playing for pride and the badge, opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Shariff Musa struck to give the traditional giants a deserved lead.

Police, who came into the match with nothing to lose, reorganized after the break. In the 56th minute, substitute David Okoth Odhiambo headed home the equalizer at the near post, ensuring the league champions finished their campaign unbeaten in their final three games. The match ended 1-1, with both sides sharing the spoils.

In Mombasa, Bandari were held to a 1-1 draw by Posta Rangers in a result that had massive implications. Benja Nyamawi scored early for the Dockers in the 10th minute, but Posta Rangers, fighting to stay in the league, equalized in the 40th minute just before the break.

The point wasn't enough to guarantee safety, but it spared them from direct relegation. Posta Rangers will now face Naivas FC in a relegation/promotion playoff.

Over at Utalii grounds, Kariobangi Sharks dismantled Mara Sugar 4-1. The Sharks were lethal in the opening quarter, with Frankline Amollo scoring in the 11th minute followed by Leon Otieno in the 15th to give them a 2-0 halftime lead.

They added a third goal in the 54th minute. Though Mara Sugar pulled one back, Sharks responded quickly to kill off the contest with a fourth, sealing an emphatic win and ensuring their survival.

AFC Leopards and KCB played out a dull 0-0 draw with little at stake, while Murang’a SEAL edged Talanta FC 1-0. The result condemned Talanta to relegation, ending a tough campaign for the Nairobi-based side.

At Thika, Nairobi City Stars were held 0-0 by Mathare United. With other results not going in their favour, City Stars also dropped into the relegation zone and will join Talanta in the National Super League next season.

In Kisii, Shabana and Ulinzi Stars battled to a 1-1 draw in a balanced contest. Derrick Oketch opened the scoring for Shabana in the 30th minute, only for Bildad Abonga to reply instantly two minutes later for Ulinzi, and the deadlock remained until full-time.

The clash between Sofapaka and Bidco United saw plenty of action. Joseph Kuloba gave Sofapaka the lead in the 18th minute, but Bidco hit back through Dennis Murunga, who scored twice in the 21st and 66th minutes - to complete a comeback and secure all three points. The win proved vital as Bidco escaped the drop zone thanks to superior goal difference.

Kakamega Homeboyz and Tusker FC played out a goalless draw in a tense final day encounter that had a direct impact on the FKF Premier League’s top-four standings. Despite the stalemate, Homeboyz finished third with 58 points edging Tusker, who ended on 57, by a single point.

When all was said and done, Kenya Police FC were crowned champions for the first time in their history, finishing with 65 points.

Gor Mahia ended second with 59 points, followed by Kakamega Homeboyz and Tusker. At the bottom, Talanta FC and Nairobi City Stars were relegated, while Posta Rangers will have one more chance to preserve their top-flight status through the playoff against National Super League side Naivas FC.

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