Festus Chuma

<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/gor-mahia-out-to-plunder-tusker/cf89k4x">Gor Mahia produced their most authoritative performance </a>of the season to outplay Tusker FC 2-1 in their FKF Premier League match at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Wednesday to remain in contention for the title.

K’Ogalo still remains in second position, a point behind Nzoia Sugar with two games in hand.

Tusker had the first clear sight of goal when Deogratious Ojok was presented with a chance in the 20th minute, but Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Matthews produced a fine save to keep the score line blank.

A short while later Shami Mwinyi got on the end of Charles Momanyi’s delivery, but he was unable to direct his header on target, with the Brewers continuing to search for an early lead.

Instead, it was<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/gor-mahia-coach-mckinstry-expects-tough-match-against-tusker/mwcxzyr"> Gor Mahia</a> who broke the deadlock, with midfielder Sydney Wahongo finding the back of the net with a beautiful finish.

Tusker saw a bit more of the ball in the final five minutes of the half, but went into the tunnel trailing by a goal at the break.

Tusker made an attacking change early in the second half, sending on Ibrahim Joshua for Ojok but they nearly went two goals down when Shami Mwinyi played a one-two and looked likely to score until the intervention of Gad Mathews.

In the 52nd minute, that man again Mwinyi restored parity when he ripped the back of the net with an unstoppable free kick.

Gor Mahia had a good opportunity in the 67th minute when John Macharia teed up Benson Omala, but he was unable to get the better of Patrick Matasi.

Things went interesting again in the 80th minute when Boniface Omondi, raced in the area, forcing Tusker defender&nbsp;Charles Momanyi to commit a foul inside the 18-yard box. Benson Omalla scored a well-taken penalty to net his 12th goal of the season.

The goal appeared to energize the Brewers who turned on the fire with attack after attack although Gad stood steely in goal as his teammates seemed tired after some hard-running for the better part of the contest.

Wednesday’s FKF Premier League results&nbsp;

Kariobangi Sharks 1 -3 Nzoia Sugar

Nairobi City Stars 1-2 Kenya Police

&nbsp;Ulinzi Stars 2-1 Bidco United&nbsp;

Benson Omala’s late goal helped Gor Mahia beat Tusker  2-1 in an FKF Premier League game at Kasarani.

Gor Mahia edge out Tusker

The result moves Police onto 27 points in third place on the log, four points behind leaders Nzoia Sugar who thrashed Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 in another mid-week fixture.

<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/baraza-maintains-kenya-police-wants-to-win-the-league/hd4zycn">Kenya Police FC&nbsp;</a>made all the early running and created several chances in the opening 20 minutes, with Elvis Rupia, Duke Abuya and Clifton Miheso guilty of spurning good scoring opportunities.

The Makarao continued to push hard in attack, but they found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/4-talking-points-from-the-kenya-premier-league-weekend/0wmwq9w">Nairobi City Stars&nbsp;</a>goalkeeper Jacob Osano a tough man to get the better of, with both Abuya and Rupia denied by sharp saves in the latter part of the first half.

City Stars then put together a couple of good chances, especially in the 39th minute when a ball ran right across the penalty area to find Ezekiel Odera, who sliced an effort-high febrility instead of testing goalkeeper Job Ochieng.

Kenya Police, alarming lack of defensive organization, was exposed a minute before halftime, with a brilliant pass into space from Kelvin Etemesi allowing Ezekiel Odera to sprint in behind the center-backs and bury a low shot inside the net to put City Stars 1-0 up.

READ:<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/baraza-maintains-kenya-police-wants-to-win-the-league/hd4zycn">&nbsp;Baraza maintains Kenya Police wants to win the league</a>

Police made a change at the start of the second half, sending on Alvin Mageni in place of Clifton Miheso, but it was the Simba wa Nairobi who continued to look the likelier scorers and saw a missed chance from Peter Opiyo in the opening minutes after the restart.

Police created the first clear chance of the second stanza in the 53rd minute when Harun Shakava picked out Patilah Omotto in the penalty area. Still, the midfielder’s effort was straight at Jacob Osano.

Three minutes later, Keneddy Onyango played a teasing cross from the right that striker Ezekiel Odera could not turn home from close range, much to the frustration of the vocal home support.

Oliver Mangeni celebrates the equalizing goal with his team mates

Kenya Police never lost hope as they hit the back of the net to make it 1-1 with a good finish from Alvin Mageni.

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/can-nzoia-sugar-maintain-the-top-spot/w7b0tpg">Can Nzoia Sugar maintain top spot?</a>

Two minutes later, the second-half substitute then beat his marker and pulled the trigger, and his attempt went into the back of the net, beating Osano.

Job Ochieng hand again in the 73rd minute to deny Peter Opiyo from point-blank range - the City Stars midfielder had a frustrating day in front of goal, repeatedly getting himself into good scoring positions, only to fluff the finish.

Kenya Police were able to defend their slender lead in the game's closing stages, and ultimately, they emerged 2-1 winners of the day.

A second-half brace by Alvin Mangeni inspired Kenya Police FC to a 2-1 victory over Nairobi City Stars at the Kasarani Annex Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Mangeni fires Kenya Police past City Stars

<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/gor-mahia-out-to-plunder-tusker/cf89k4x">Gor Mahia</a> coach Jonathan McKinstry is braced for a tough encounter when they meet Tusker FC in their FKF Premier League clash on Wednesday afternoon.

K'Ogalo, currently on a seven-match unbeaten run in the domestic league, plays host to Tusker in the eagerly anticipated clash at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

During the pre-match interview, McKinstry said that his team expects a tough clash based on the recent results posed by their opponent in their previous matches.

"Tusker are a difficult opponent, we know we need to be our best. Some may say Tusker have dropped some points recently, but a wounded animal is the most dangerous type," McKinstry said on Tuesday.

"My boys are going into the game ready and we are confident we can put out another top performance."

Gor Mahia brushed aside Nairobi City Stars in their last weekend clash, and they now sit second behind table leaders Nzoia.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/gor-mahia-out-to-plunder-tusker/cf89k4x">&nbsp;Gor Mahia out to plunder Tusker</a>

However, Gor Mahia mustn't think that Tusker will be a pushover. The Ruaraka's side coach Robert Matano says his team will go toe-to-toe with K'Ogalo despite his team's latest poor run.

"There is nothing to fear, despite it being a tough match, we are rectifying our mistakes and also bringing back our fighting spirit ahead of the game," said Matano.

" The race is still on; those are the dynamics of football, sometimes you are up, sometimes you are down."

On Saturday afternoon, <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/can-nzoia-sugar-maintain-the-top-spot/w7b0tpg">Tusker</a> were held to a 1-1 draw by Kariobangi Sharks in their previous league match.&nbsp;

The Brewers occupy the fourth spot on the FKF Premier League standings with 25 points from 13 games.

Ahead of their FKF Premier League tie against Brewers, K'Ogalo coach McKinstry says he anticipates a tough encounter

Gor Mahia coach McKinstry expects tough match against Tusker

<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/gor-mahia-kcb-and-sofapaka-register-victories/gex3y4z">Gor Mahia</a> are set to square off with Tusker in an FKF Premier League match at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Wednesday afternoon.

K'Ogalo, who beat Nairobi City Stars 1-0 in their last outing, are well on the pace in the title race in second place.

Jonathan McKinstry charges trail table leader Nzoia Sugar one point after 12 games and have defending champions Tusker FC breathing down their necks in the fourth place.

Gor Mahia struggled in their last match against Stars, and they only needed Benson Omala's magic in the 63rd minute of the game to carry home the maximum points.

McKinstry will be hoping to mastermind a victory over defending league champions, who seem to have lost their mojo in recent weeks.

Tusker have been struggling as they are winless in their three matches, having held to a 1-1 stalemate by Kariobangi Sharks over the weekend.

McKinstry's counterpart Robert Matano knows his side cannot afford to drop more points as the Brewers are three points behind the current log leader Nzoia Sugar.

Gor Mahia have not reported any injury concerns before their first season clash with Tusker.

The dangerman in McKinstry's side is Benson Omalla, who has found the back of the net 11 times in the league this season, and he will be keen to inspire his team to a win over Tusker.

K'Ogalo are currently placed second on the league standings, and a win will take them to the table's summit.

Tusker FC attacking midfielder Shami Kibwana

On the other hand, <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/4-talking-points-from-the-kenya-premier-league-weekend/0wmwq9w">Tusker </a>will also have all their attackers at their disposal, Shami Mwinyi, David Majak, and Ibrahim Joshua, all keen to regain their scoring boots.

A victory for Tusker will see them cut their gap with Nzoia and put themselves back into the title contention.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/can-nzoia-sugar-maintain-the-top-spot/w7b0tpg">Can Nzoia Sugar maintain the top spot?</a>

Tusker have been leaking goals this season as they have kept only four clean sheets, and Matano will be keen to ensure that his side tightens up at the back.

On the other hand, Gor Mahia have done well on the reload this season as they are undefeated in five away matches in the league this season.

In head-to-head stats, Gor Mahia have recorded four wins compared to three of the Brewers in the last five years, while two games have ended in three draws.&nbsp;

The Brewers will be desperate to break their winless drought in the  FKF Premier League when they visit K'Ogalo on tomorrow afternoon

Gor Mahia out to plunder Tusker

The increasingly intriguing FKF Premier League continues on Wednesday with eight fixtures lined-up, <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/nzoia-sugar-back-on-top-after-draw-with-afc-leopards/gqpqv5n">including table-topping Nzoia Sugar's</a> trip to Kariobangi Sharks.

The Sugar Millers and the Sharks will meet at Utalli Grounds, with Nzoia looking to maintain the top spot on the league table.&nbsp;

Nzoia have taken eight points in their last five matches, with their latest outing a 0-0 draw at home to AFC Leopards. The Sugar Millers have claimed 28 points from 14 home matches this season.

Kariobangi Sharks claimed a second consecutive draw in their last four matches when they held Tusker FC to a 1-1 draw away on Saturday 4. The Sharks have claimed just three points from five home matches in the 2022/2023 campaign.

Nzoia, on the other hand, have claimed 12 points from five away matches this season. Salim Babu's charges are expected to have the upper hand as they have tasted defeat twice in this year's competition.

However, Sharks will only go down with a fight. William Muluya's side are unbeaten in their last five matches and will be looking to consolidate their fine form and be among the top eight when the league goes into the break.

But the midweek clash will come with headaches for Muluya. The 36-year-old will be forced into changes due to the suspension of defender Timothy Ekhavi. Also in doubt of the game is the&nbsp;Sharks custodian John Otieno, after he sustained a minor knock during the match against Tusker.

Meanwhile, Nzoia Sugar will be counting on the form of their lethal attacking trio of Mwangi Joseph, Feliciien Okanda, and Ian Simiyu.

Tusker FC forward Ibrahim Joshua during training

In the other massive afternoon clash<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/gor-mahia-kcb-and-sofapaka-register-victories/gex3y4z">, Gor Mahia will lock horns with Tusker</a> at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Nothing less than a win for the two teams will do to keep their title aspirations alive.&nbsp;

Tusker themselves face a tough test as they have yet to record a win in their last three matches. The Brewers are fresh from a 1-1 draw against Kairobangi Sharks and looking forward to facing K'Ogalo, who have not tasted defeat in their last nine matches.

In the last teams meeting, Tusker emerged 2-0 victorious in a match played at Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok.

Also in the afternoon, Nairobi City Stars host high-flying Kenya Police FC, and KCB&nbsp;make a short trip to Kasarani Annex to face off against&nbsp;Sofapaka FC. Both meetings have high consequences on the top of the table as&nbsp;Kenya Police are currently fifth while KCB are third on the league table.

Kenya Police FC striker Clinton Kinanga during a past match against Mathare United

The last time Nairobi City Stars and Police met, the match ended in a goalless stalemate. But on Wednesday afternoon, Police will face a depleted Kwangware-based outfit. Nicolas Muyoti's men have only won three games in the ongoing football season.

While in the build-up to the game, coach Muyoti has spoken about being mentally strong; it will take more than a solid mindset to tame a hungry lion at Kasarani.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/4-talking-points-from-the-kenya-premier-league-weekend/0wmwq9w">4 talking points from the Kenya Premier League weekend</a>

At the bottom of the FKF PL table, Mathare United faces off against Vihiga Bullets. Both teams have performed dissimilar this season, and three points will go a long way in ensuring survival. Worrying for Mathare United has been their home form, as the Slum Boys have not recorded any win at home this season.

Wednesday afternoon sees, also Bandari host struggling Kakamega Homeboyz at Mbaraki Grounds, while Ulinzi Stars welcome Bidco at Ulinzi Sports Complex.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League is set to return on Wednesday afternoon with midweek fixtures.

Can Nzoia Sugar maintain the top spot?

Posta Rangers winger Caleb Olilo says he has been putting in extra shifts during training in the hope of getting a move abroad.

The 27-year-old Olilo joined the Mailmen from AFC Leopards at the beginning of 2021/2022 season on a three-year deal.

Olilo is not aiming at a specific league or club but had firmly set his sights on working hard to turn heads overseas.

“That is my ultimate target, so I must give my all while playing for Posta Rangers, impress locally, and in the process, land a deal abroad. That is what I'm working on now,” he said.

Olilo went on to add that he is also able to cope with the pressure that comes with playing for the Mailmen.

“I am able to work under pressure from the fans, and I want to use this platform to make my star shine brighter and hopefully land a deal abroad in the near future.”

Last year South Africa’s ABC Motsepe league side was reported to be keen to capture the winger in order to improve their attack this season.

Olilo started his football career at Buruburu Sports Club before signing for Jericho All-Stars in 2018.

He then switched to Nairobi Stima where he played in 2019/2022 National Super League season before being snapped up by FKF Premier League side AFC Leopards.

Olilo left Leopards in October 2021 following an impressive season at the 12-time Kenya Champions, where he scored three goals and made six assists.

Caleb Olilo   during a past FKF PL match against Bidco United (Image: Courtesy)

So far, the winger has scored four goals and made nine assists in his 26 appearances for the Rangers.

The Mailmen currently are in position ten in the FKF Premier League with 17 points from 14 games, 11 points adrift table leaders Nzoia Sugar.

The Mailmen star has admitted that he still dreams of playing in Europe

Posta Rangers winger Caleb Olilo dreams big

<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/gor-mahia-kcb-and-sofapaka-register-victories/gex3y4z">Sofapaka </a>goalkeeper Simon Masaka was delighted with his clean sheet for victory against Wazito FC.

David Nshimirimana's fist-half strike grabbed all three points, but the contributions at the other end were equally important, including Masaka, who made crucial saves throughout the encounter to keep his clean sheet intact.

<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/4-talking-points-from-the-kenya-premier-league-weekend/0wmwq9w">Speaking in a post-match interview,</a> Masaka hailed his teammates, especially the backline, for playing a solid game that helped him to keep a clean sheet away in Muhoroni.

"I am happy to register another clean sheet. It was not an easy game against Wazito. We defended very well as a team and we were very compact at the back so that was positive for us to pick," he said.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/gor-mahia-kcb-and-sofapaka-register-victories/gex3y4z">Gor Mahia, KCB and Sofapaka register victories</a>

It was the young goalkeeper's second straight start after putting regular David Abasanjo on the bench.

"My personal target is to get as many clean sheets as I can, help the team with the second league title, and become the first team to do that," he added.

“It is possible to do that but I can’t do it alone, we must do it as a team, sometimes, I might not play, but there are other goalkeepers that can also help. I must also make sure that I support them when they play, as it is a team effort."

The win took the Batoto ba Mungu 18 points from the 18-team table and ten points adrift table leader Nzoia Sugar.

Masaka joined Sofapaka from Soy United and debuted in January 2021 an FKF Premier League match against Nzoia Sugar.

Sofapaka are next in action against KCB in a home game at Kasarani Annex Stadium on 8 February 2023.

The Batoto Ba Mungu's custodian expresses his delight at keeping another clean sheet after they defeated Wazito on Saturday.

Sofapaka goalkeeper Masaka happy with clean sheet against Wazito

There were 11 goals scored across the nine matches that took place in the FKF Premier League this weekend – an average of just under one per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There was an upset, a comeback, and a questionable display of refereeing that all feature in Pulse Sports' four talking points this week.

Tusker not yet there

<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/gor-mahia-kcb-and-sofapaka-register-victories/gex3y4z">The Brewers should be one of the teams with the resources,</a> stature, and quality to knock Nzoia Sugar off their perch. But following their 1-1 draw against Kariobangi Sharks, something is brewing at Ruaraka that might affect their title defense, albeit it is still early days in the season.

Tusker have unexpectedly had a shuttering run, failing to win their last three matches, and now there are reports that a section of players are unhappy with how officials are handling their affairs.

Questionable refereeing

The refereeing display from David Mulongo in the Nzoia Sugar v AFC Leopards was the most puzzling thing that happened all weekend. I<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/nzoia-sugar-back-on-top-after-draw-with-afc-leopards/gqpqv5n">n the second half, AFC Leopards' goalkeepers' coach Lawrence Webo </a>was shown a straight red card for questioning the referee's decisions.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A Top FKF match refereed by 4 clowns. Fortunately, the 2 teams remained calm... Another clean sheet and 6 games unbeaten in a row .Back to work on thursday but , first , 8 hours to drive back to Nairobi ! <a href="https://t.co/lK4OrHxJYv">pic.twitter.com/lK4OrHxJYv</a>&mdash; Patrick Aussems (@PatrickAussems) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickAussems/status/1622264925316943876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

In a post-match interview, Leopards coach Patrick Aussems also questioned the referees' judgments and called the match officials that were in place incompetent.

The same protest was raised on Saturday by Nairobi City Stars coach Nicholas Muyoti who criticized the match official who handled their game against Gor Mahia.

Muyoti claimed the referee spoilt otherwise a very good game by allowing the goal in his side's 1-0 loss to K'Ogalo at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Omala, the heart and soul of Gor Mahia

Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry admitted that Omala is currently the best striker in the league at the moment.

The 21-year-old marksman scored his 11th goal of the season on Saturday in their win against Simba wa Nairobi, which stirred K'Ogalo to their eighth win.

Gor Mahia has offered little threat in the opposition box when Omala is not at his best, and they are currently ridding on his form to achieve results.

Bidco's David Gateri  traps Kakamega Homeboyz striker during the match

Kakamega Homeboyz in trouble

Things have been progressively worsening this season for Abana Abeingo, and the latest setback was <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/nzoia-sugar-back-on-top-after-draw-with-afc-leopards/gqpqv5n">a 1-0 loss at the hands of Posta Rangers.</a> Not one player came away with any credit on Saturday, and perhaps it's time for the head coach John Baraza to shake things up by replacing some of the older guards with more youthful and hungry players because his faith in senior citizens is not paying off.

Practically all Tusker FC supporters and those closely monitoring issues and events in the Kenyan Premier League this season agree that their team performance in the last five matches is surprisingly bad.

4 talking points from the Kenya Premier League weekend

Kenya Police FC coach Francis Baraza is still hopeful about his team’s chances of winning the 2022/2023 FKF Premier League.

The charismatic gaffer saw his side move to fifth position on the league standings after beating<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/nzoia-sugar-back-on-top-after-draw-with-afc-leopards/gqpqv5n"> Bidco United 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.</a>

In his post-match comments, he once again reiterated that he aims to win the FKF Premier League with the Makarao this season.

“ I am sure we have the advantage to win the league title, and we have to keep focused, work as a team, and do it,” Baraza said.

“ We want to win all the games, and my boys are ready for any team coming our way.”

Francis Baraza (Left) with a member of Kenya Police technical bench

Baraza was quick to praise striker Elvis Rupia who scored the lone goal that separated the two sides at Nayo National Stadium.

“ Rupia is a good player and experienced. Working with Rupia is always a joy as he always gives out everything. I worked with him before, and I have known him very well since my days in Muhoroni Youth,” he added.

READ:<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/bidco-coach-blames-strikers-for-kenya-police-defeat/dj2chph"> Bidco coach blames strikers for Kenya Police defeat</a>

The former Kagera Sugar coach took over the reins at Kenya Police in December 2022 following the dismissal of former Kenya international Sammy Omollo.

Under his watch, the Police have been a solid side as they have won seven matches, drawn two, and registered one loss.&nbsp;

They are placed fifth on the league standings with 24 points, four adrift table leaders Nzoia Sugar.

The next assignment for Kenya Police will be against&nbsp;Nairobi City Stars on Wednesday 8,2023, at Kasarani Annex Stadium.

It’s worth noting that Baraza is the only Kenyan coach to have lifted two FKF Premier League titles as a player and a coach.

He won the league with AFC Leopards in 1998 and&nbsp;Oserian Fastac in 2001 before guiding Sony Sugar to the 2006 title.

The Makarao are fifth in the log with twenty-four points, four points behind leaders Nzoia Sugar FC, and have one game in hand.

Baraza maintains Kenya Police wants to win the league

Bidco United coach Antony Akhulia has retreated his side's sluggishness in front of the goal after 1-0 defeat to Kenya Police FC in the FKF Premier League on Sunday.

A first-half strike by Elvis Rupia was all the Makarao needed to extend their unbeaten run to three matches.

However, Bidco coach believes the outcome could have been different if his strikers had made good use of their chances.

"We didn't use our chances well;&nbsp;Police FC just got one chance, and they punished us. We had more than five open chances, which our strikers failed to utilize. The work of a striker is to score, and if you fail to do so, then it means you are not doing your job well," Akhluia said.

"We didn't deserve to lose this game, but I'll take it in good faith and continue to work on my strikers and defenders so that we can have an improved performance in our next game."

Bidco United players in a pep talk before their clash against Kenya Police FC

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/nzoia-sugar-back-on-top-after-draw-with-afc-leopards/gqpqv5n">Nzoia Sugar back on top after draw with AFC Leopards</a>

Bidco United will be making a short trip to Langata to face Ulinzi Stars in their next match, and with opponents having struggled to win their previous game, Akhulia is hopeful they can redeem themselves in the competition.

"We need to win the next match. My strikers will need to utilize the chances that will come their way, and also, my defenders need to score when we get the set pieces."

Antony Akhulia  during a past KPL match against Kariobangi Sharks

Bidco have yet to register a win in their last three matches in the current campaign, having last tasted a victory on January 22 when they 2-1 against FC Talanta.

The Oilers are placed 13th on the FKF Premier League table with 15 points from 13 matches.

The Oilers boss reflects on the disappointing outcome of their local league  fixture against Police.

Bidco coach blames strikers for Kenya Police defeat

Nzoia Sugar are back on top of FKF Premier League table after they forced visitors AFC Leopards to a goalless draw on Sunday.

Nzoia are now top of the table with 28 points from 14 matches, one point ahead of Gor Mahia, who had enjoyed an overnight stay after winning 1-0 against Nairobi City Stars on Saturday.

Leopards did most of the attacking in the opening exchanges as they looked to grab an early goal, but they looked vulnerable at the back when Nzoia launched their quick counterattacks.

Joseph Mwangi' 's low shot narrowly missed in the 18th minute from inside the visitors' box and eight minutes later, Sije Yasin's attempt from range was saved by Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo who was well-positioned to make a save.

Sony continued to threaten on the counterattack with Felicien Okanda playing a through pass for Boniface Kweyu whose chipped effort flew over Opiyo's goal-posts in the 42nd minute, and the score was 0-0 at halftime.

AFC Leopards predictably dominated possession from early in the second half, but they initially found chances hard to come by against a determined and resilient&nbsp;Nzoia.

The visitors had to wait until just before the hour mark for their first major second half threat, with a free kick picking out Saad Musa at the back post, but Humphrey Katasi comfortably saved his lunging effort.

Nzoia were unlucky not to hit the front in the 70th minute through Ian Simiyu. The burly forward rose highest to meet Mose Mwale's corner-kick but could only successfully guide his attempt onto the woodwork and out of danger.

That was as close as the Sugar Millers came to a winner, with the visiting side proving exactly why they have been so tough to beat in recent matches.

In Sunday's other matches, Kenya Police FC's claimed upward trajectory under coach Francis Baraza continued as the&nbsp;Makarao recorded a crucial 1-0 victory against Bidco United.

The result saw Police move to fifth position on the table with 24 points – three behind leaders Nzoia Sugar, having now played a game less. Bidco are seven places and nine points further back in 13th position.

Striker Elvis Rupia struck in the 43rd minute of the match when he turned well to fire into the back of the net with Bidco goalkeeper Daniel Odiwour well-beaten.

Alex Juma almost netted an equalizer just past the hour mark, but his shot went over the bar rather than the back of the net.

Police could have extended their lead late when Thomas Wainaina was penalized for a dangerous tackle just outside the 18-yard area, but Musa Mohamed fired wide.

Elvis Rupia gets the ball past Bidco United defender

Elsewhere, Vihiga Bullets' winless run continued when they were beaten 1-0 by Ulinzi Stars at Bukhungu Stadium.

Bullets have gone eight games without a victory in the league, and the result saw them slide to 17th place on the log with four points from seven 11 matches.

Ulinzi Stars  defender Masita Masuta vies for the ball with Vihiga Bullets attacker

Staphod Odhiambo scored in the 67th minute after capitalizing on a mistake made by Vihiga's defense in the penalty area. After failing to deal with a long ball played into the box, Odhiambo was on hand to collect the ball before giving his side the lead from close range.

Ulinzi Stars have moved up two places on the log to sixth with 23 points from 14 matches they have played this season.

FKF Premier League continued on Sunday with three matches played in Bungoma  and Nairobi.

Nzoia Sugar back on top after draw with AFC Leopards

Kenya duo of Clyde Senaji and Collins Okumu are expected to be handed deals after successful auditions at Malawi Super League giants Nyasa Big Bullets.

The two defenders have spent a week in the southern African nation and trained with the Peoples' team in their pre-season camp at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences Sports Complex in Blantyre.

Big Bullets technical team, led by coach Kalisto Pasuwa gave the green light for the signing of the duo on Saturday. However,&nbsp;the final decision lies on the club's Chief Administration Officer, Albert Chigog, the head of the recruitment process.

Senaji has been out of the cold from active football after parting ways with&nbsp;FKF Premier League side Tusker FC.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I love Tusker fc,that will never change,it feels the right time to seek a new challenge,I’m grateful to the leadership of the club,teammates,coaches,fans and the media team.....💛🖤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/foreverabrewer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#foreverabrewer</a> @ Nairobi, Kenya <a href="https://t.co/88jBl5PSIA">https://t.co/88jBl5PSIA</a>&mdash; Clyde Senaji (@CSenaji) <a href="https://twitter.com/CSenaji/status/1616513253898608640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

Like Senaji, Okumu has been clubless since parting ways with Bidco United.

Senaji had re-joined Tusker on a two-year deal in September 2021 following a successful spell at AFC Leopards.

He featured for the Brewers in the 2021/2022 CAF Champions and CAF Confederation Cup and was part of the squad that won last season's FKF Premier League.

Senaji during training with his former club (Image: Tusker FC)

The two defenders are expected to bolster Nyasa Big Bullets squad in the upcoming 2023/2024 CAF Champions League campaign.

Bullets bowed out of this season's African Champions League at the preliminary stages following a 4-0 aggregate loss to Simba Sports Club of Tanzania.

Festus Chuma

Articles written by the author

Gor Mahia edge out Tusker

Mangeni fires Kenya Police past City Stars

Gor Mahia coach McKinstry expects tough match against Tusker

Gor Mahia out to plunder Tusker

Can Nzoia Sugar maintain the top spot?

Posta Rangers winger Caleb Olilo dreams big

Sofapaka goalkeeper Masaka happy with clean sheet against Wazito

4 talking points from the Kenya Premier League weekend

Baraza maintains Kenya Police wants to win the league

Bidco coach blames strikers for Kenya Police defeat

Nzoia Sugar back on top after draw with AFC Leopards

Clyde Senaji and Collins Okumu set to join Malawian club Nyasa Big Bullets

Gor Mahia, KCB and Sofapaka register victories

KCB, Kakamega Homeboyz look to close on Nzoia Sugar

Nairobi City Stars out to tame red-hot Gor Mahia

Bandari eyeing second away win

Wazito look to shrug off poor form

Tusker aim to bounce back against Kariobangi Sharks

Mathare United sack coach Boniface Omondi

Gor Mahia draw Kibera Soccer in 2023 FKF Cup