From Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s close shave for Gor Mahia following Alphonce Omija’s winner against Posta Rangers to Shabana’s toothlessness against Kariobangi Sharks, here are the talking points from matchweek 19 of the FKFPL.
Alphonce Omija’s winning goal saves Zico
It was a tense moment for Gor Mahia interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, whose side clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Posta Rangers in the dying minutes of their FKF Premier League clash at Dandora Stadium last Saturday.
As the game neared its conclusion, Zico found himself in an uneasy situation as frustrated fans, displeased with Gor Mahia’s recent form, began expressing their discontent. Having seen their team drop points in two of the last four games leading up to this encounter, some fans even resorted to throwing missiles toward the dugout, forcing Zico to seek shelter on the bench.
Had the game ended in a 1-1 draw, chaos could have erupted, and Zico might have required significant protection to leave the compact Dandora Stadium unharmed. However, Alphonce Omija emerged as Gor Mahia’s savior, scoring a stoppage-time winner from a well-worked set-piece, sparking massive celebrations and easing pressure on the embattled coach.
Following the game, Zico, under the watchful eye of GSU officers deployed for security, finally addressed the media, visibly relieved by the victory. The win kept Gor Mahia within six points of league leaders Kenya Police.
Are AFC Leopards in the title race?
AFC Leopards have quietly crept into the title race after edging Nairobi City Stars 1-0 in Dandora on Sunday. Kayci Odhiambo’s composed penalty secured all three points, lifting Ingwe to fourth place with 29 points, just eight behind leaders Kenya Police.
Their resurgence comes after a turbulent period, including a shocking 4-2 defeat to FC Talanta—overshadowed by reports of a player go-slow over unpaid allowances. However, under the guidance of Fred Ambani, the team has rediscovered its attacking identity, fueling hopes of a long-awaited league triumph.
“We are still deep in the title race. Teams are dropping points, and with the many matches remaining, we are in it. Everything is possible; we will maintain our focus and fight to the very end,” Ambani affirmed.
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Have Shabana been found out?
Shabana were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by Kariobangi Sharks in front of a packed Gusii Stadium on Sunday. Despite creating several opportunities, the home side failed to capitalize, leaving them with their seventh draw of the season.
Sharks, seeking to end a six-game winless streak, fielded two of their three mid-season signings but struggled to convert chances. Shabana nearly punished them late in the match, but Austin Odongo squandered a glorious opportunity, shooting straight at Sebastian Wekesa in a one-on-one situation.
The result saw Sharks move up to 13th, while Shabana remained fifth with 28 points, maintaining their push for a top-four finish.
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Lifeless action in stalemate KCB-Tusker clash
If the Shabana-Kariobangi Sharks game was disappointing due to a lack of goals, Tusker’s stalemate against KCB proved even more frustrating.
Tusker missed a golden opportunity to seize the top spot in the league as striker Ryan Ogam endured his second consecutive goalless game after an incredible run of 15 goals in 14 matches. Speculation suggests that transfer rumors linking him to Algerian giants USM Algier might be affecting his form.
On a positive note, Tusker finally handed a league debut to Alex Onchwari, who joined from Migori Youth last season. Head coach Charles Okere praised his resilience, stating, “A very resilient player. Waiting 18 months to play your first game and then putting in a solid 90-minute performance shows he has been working hard.”
Elsewhere, Kenya Police narrowly avoided a shock defeat to Sofapaka, salvaging a 1-1 draw thanks to a late equalizer from Brian Okoth. His towering header in the 89th minute extended Police’s unbeaten run to 11 games but allowed second-placed Tusker an opportunity to reclaim the league lead.
Sofapaka had earlier taken the lead through Ugandan midfielder Donato Okello, but their failure to hold on meant they remained ninth on the table with 25 points, still searching for their first win since January 19.
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