Sunday’s FKF Premier League action provided drama and mixed emotions as all four teams in action settled for draws. The highlight of the day came at Awendo Green Stadium, where promoted side Mara Sugar salvaged a 1-1 draw against Sofapaka thanks to a spectacular late freekick by Matthias Isogol. Meanwhile, a goalless stalemate between Ulinzi Stars and Bidco United at Kinoru Stadium left both teams searching for answers to their mid-table struggles.
Mara Sugar 1-1 Sofapaka: A Dramatic Rescue
At Awendo Green Stadium, Mara Sugar displayed resilience to snatch a point from Sofapaka in stoppage time. The newly promoted side, facing their second defeat of the season, found salvation in Matthias Isogol’s stunning freekick deep into added time.
Sofapaka began the game with intensity, taking the lead as early as the fourth minute. Ronald Sempala capitalized on a pinpoint assist from Baron Ochieng, slotting home to give Batoto Ba Mungu an early advantage. The visitors controlled the tempo for much of the first half, frustrating Mara’s attempts to break through their defense.
Mara Sugar, without their head coach George Midenyo—suspended after his red card in the match against AFC Leopards—struggled to impose themselves in the first half. They thought they had equalized midway through the second half, but their goal was controversially disallowed due to a foul throw. The decision sparked heated protests from the Mara bench, adding tension to an already competitive encounter.
Things getting heated on Sofapaka’s bench.
Mara Sugar Fc 1-1 Sofapaka FC #KPL2024 pic.twitter.com/VyscNUQMO7
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) November 24, 2024
Despite the setback, Mara persisted and continued to push forward. Their efforts paid off in the dying moments of the match when Isogol stepped up to take a freekick and curled it beautifully into the net. The late goal sent the home crowd into raptures and secured a valuable point for Mara, who remain second in the league, cutting KCB’s lead at the top to four points.
Sofapaka, now unbeaten in their last five games, moved up to ninth place in the table as they continue to recover from a poor start to the season.
Ulinzi Stars 0-0 Bidco United: A Stalemate in Meru
The late kickoff at Kinoru Stadium between Ulinzi Stars and Bidco United was a stark contrast to the drama at Awendo. The match ended in a goalless draw, offering few moments of excitement for the fans.
Ulinzi Stars, known for their disciplined defensive approach, controlled possession for large portions of the game but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their attacking play lacked fluidity and precision, with Bidco United’s defense proving resilient throughout the contest.
Bidco, on the other hand, relied heavily on counterattacks to threaten Ulinzi. While they showed flashes of potential, their forwards failed to convert the few opportunities they created. The game was marked by cautious play from both sides, resulting in a stalemate that reflected their struggles this season.
Hard-fought game ends in a Ulinzi Stars 0-0 Bidco United draw with neither side breaking the deadlock.#fkfpremierleague pic.twitter.com/Pv0K5ja1vZ
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) November 24, 2024
The draw leaves both Ulinzi Stars and Bidco United firmly in mid-table, with identical records and only two wins each to show for their efforts thus far.
Implications for the FKF Premier League Table
Sunday’s results leave the FKF Premier League standings largely unchanged at the top. KCB maintains their four-point lead over Mara Sugar, who continue to impress in their debut season at the top flight.
Sofapaka’s draw sees them climb to ninth place, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches. Meanwhile, Ulinzi Stars and Bidco United remain locked in mid-table mediocrity, highlighting their ongoing struggles for consistency and form.
Key Performances
- Matthias Isogol (Mara Sugar): The standout player of the day, Isogol’s last-gasp freekick ensured Mara avoided a rare defeat, earning him man-of-the-match honors.
- Ronald Sempala (Sofapaka): Opened the scoring with a composed finish and posed a consistent threat in the attacking third.
- Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka): Provided the assist for Sempala’s goal, showcasing creativity and vision in midfield.
- Ulinzi and Bidco Defenses: While neither side could score, both defensive units remained disciplined, ensuring clean sheets in a tightly contested affair.
What’s Next in the FKF Premier League?
The FKF Premier League continues midweek with another round of fixtures as teams aim to build momentum. League leaders KCB will look to extend their dominance, while Mara Sugar hopes to close the gap and maintain pressure at the top. Sofapaka will seek to keep their unbeaten streak alive, while Ulinzi Stars and Bidco United need to find attacking solutions to climb out of mid-table obscurity.
Updated league table after the weekend games!#fkfpremierleague pic.twitter.com/zglUmmk3Il
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) November 24, 2024
The season remains competitive, and with multiple teams showing glimpses of potential, the title race and battle for survival are both shaping up to be fiercely contested. Fans can expect more twists and turns as the league progresses.
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