Sofapaka extended Posta Rangers’ misery with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the FKF Premier League (FKF-PL) on Sunday at Dandora Stadium. The win propelled Sofapaka to fifth place on the league standings while leaving Rangers entrenched at the bottom, struggling to end a nine-match winless streak. Meanwhile, Kenya Police continued their impressive form with a vital away victory over Murang’a Seal, closing the gap on league leaders Tusker.
Sofapaka’s Early Domination
The match began with Sofapaka, known as Batoto ba Mungu, dictating the tempo from the first whistle. They capitalized on a defensive lapse by Posta Rangers in the 12th minute when Edward Ondimo slotted home a well-placed shot, giving the hosts an early advantage.
Guided by head coach Ezekiel Akwana, Sofapaka maintained their momentum and doubled their lead in the 30th minute. Former Green Commandos captain Jack Ongaya found the back of the net with a clinical finish, putting Sofapaka firmly in control and leaving Posta Rangers scrambling for answers.
Sofapaka continued to dominate the midfield, creating several chances to extend their lead. Derrick Mwinza nearly made it 3-0 in the 54th minute with a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar, leaving the crowd in awe but the score unchanged.
Posta Rangers Fight Back
Despite their struggles, Posta Rangers showed resilience in the second half. Head coach Sammy Omollo made tactical changes, including introducing fresh legs to add creativity and urgency to their attack. Their efforts paid off in the 66th minute when a handball by John Onyango in the penalty area handed Rangers a lifeline.
Dinkens Mwema stepped up to take the penalty and calmly converted, sending Sofapaka goalkeeper Bradon Obiero the wrong way to make it 2-1. The goal reignited Posta Rangers’ hopes and injected energy into their play as they pressed for an equalizer.
Sofapaka’s Defensive Resilience
Sofapaka, however, held firm, showcasing defensive discipline to protect their slim lead. Despite Posta’s late surge and a series of nervy moments in the closing stages, Sofapaka remained resolute and saw out the game to secure three crucial points.
The victory marks Sofapaka’s second consecutive win, moving them to fifth place on the FKF-PL standings with 24 points from 16 matches. It was a display of resilience and tactical precision by Ezekiel Akwana’s side, who are now eyeing a strong finish to the season.
Posta Rangers’ Continued Struggles
For Posta Rangers, the loss deepened their woes as they remain rooted at the bottom of the table with 14 points from 17 matches. Rangers have now gone nine consecutive league matches without a win, highlighting their struggles in a season marred by inconsistency and missed opportunities. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, such as Mwema’s well-taken penalty, Rangers were unable to turn their efforts into a positive result.
Kenya Police Narrow Gap to Tusker
In another FKF-PL clash on Sunday, Alfred Leku’s 64th-minute strike secured a vital 1-0 victory for Kenya Police over Murang’a Seal at St. Sebastian Park. The win keeps Kenya Police within three points of league leaders Tusker, maintaining their position as strong title contenders.
FT at Shakahola
Murang’a Seal 0 – 1 POLICE F.C @betikake @748airservices
@dtb_duo @police_sacco pic.twitter.com/lALi7TRUu3— KENYA POLICE FC (@kenyapolicefc) January 19, 2025
The match was tightly contested, with Murang’a Seal putting up a spirited fight against a disciplined Police side. Leku’s decisive goal, a well-timed finish following a swift counterattack, proved to be the difference. The result leaves Murang’a Seal in 12th place with 22 points, while Kenya Police remain second with 35 points, continuing to pile pressure on Tusker.
Looking Ahead
Sofapaka’s victory over Posta Rangers highlighted their growing confidence and tactical maturity under coach Akwana. With their current form, Batoto ba Mungu are positioning themselves as potential dark horses in the league. Meanwhile, Posta Rangers face an uphill battle to climb out of the relegation zone, with urgent need for consistency and focus in the matches ahead.
Kenya Police’s win keeps the title race alive, as they look to capitalize on any slip-ups from Tusker. With plenty of football left to play this season, the FKF-PL promises exciting battles at both ends of the table.
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