Six lessons learned from FKF Premier League match week 26

Despite top leagues across the world staying inactive during the ongoing FIFA international break, the FKF Premier League continued in earnest with match week 26 taking centre stage as its conclusion, left plenty of lessons for pundits and stakeholders at large.

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The match week saw a total of seven matches taking place, with only Gor Mahia, Kenya Police FC, Tusker FC and Mathare United staying inactive, the first three having players involved at the international level.

Nevertheless, two of the three most supported clubs in the country, AFC Leopards and Shabana FC, were in action and effected changes in the title race just as there were movements in the relegation matrix.

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In the end, Mozzart Sport covered all seven matches, and in our weekly series, highlights six lessons from the encounters.

Tight defense key to AFC Leopards' title push

AFC Leopards have posted an improved performance this season that sees them second in the league table and in a title tussle with their arch-rivals Gor Mahia.

While the team has had various departments stepping up, the improvement of their defensive structure is one to admire, as was the case during their 1-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks.

Of the 26 league matches that they have played this season, Ingwe has kept 14 clean sheets.

The clean sheet against Sharks was one to admire as the William Muluya-coached side was the better side, especially in the first half and created numerous goal-scoring opportunities, but the Leopards defense and goalkeeper were keen to prevent any harm.

Ingwe stayed in the match until Tyson Otieno produced a moment of individual brilliance to find the back of the net and grant them three points.

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Indeed, as legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson opined, "attack wins you games, defense wins you titles.”

Bizarre officiating cloud Shabana win

Shabana FC ended their three-match losing streak with a 1-0 victory over Murang'a Seal, but the biggest talking point in the match remains poor officiating.

The Glamour Boys' defender Wycliffe Omondi unleashed a ferocious shot in the 42nd minute that kissed the post before bouncing on the line and back to the field of play, leaving Shabana players with loud calls for a goal, which was granted by experienced referee Badir Yassin.

However, replays show that Omondi’s strike did not entirely cross the line and thus the goal should not have been counted.

The incident is yet another case of questionable officiating that has rocked the league this season.

‘Open ground no cover’ - Ulinzi is firing again

In military parlance, meeting the enemy on open ground with no place to take cover is one of the most dangerous situations a soldier or troops can find themselves in.

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In an open ground, the men in uniform are all exposed to the enemy and must therefore spend less time there, as there is a high possibility that rapid fire will be exchanged.

Ulinzi Stars have been flirting with relegation, causing panic among their supporters and the team’s management.

However, the military side has reacted well in the last two matches, unleashing sophisticated artillery on the wide jaws of relegation and managing to secure back-to-back wins.

The latest was a 2-0 victory over Sofapaka with striker Paul Okoth scoring a brace and taking his goal tally to 12, three less than Joe Waithira, who leads the scoring chart.

Muluya must have a plan beyond Aroko

Kariobangi Sharks head coach William Muluya must find a way to ensure his team wins games even in the absence of Humphrey Aroko.

The Kenya U20 midfielder has been in great form for Sharks this season and has scored eight of Sharks’ 18 league goals this season.

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Sharks' play also revolves around Aroko, and on a day that he was being man-marked by AFC Leopards, Sharks could not find the back of the net.

Experience comes to KCB’s rescue in victory over Mara Sugar

KCB FC downed Mara Sugar 1-0 in a tightly contested match on Saturday, 28 March, at the Nyayo National Stadium.

While both teams created openings with Mara Sugar having more clear-cut chances, the Sugar Millers lacked the experience to affect the game and secure a win, while the Bankers utilised the maturity of Humphrey Mieno and Clyde Senaji to guide the team.

Backed by the experienced coach Robert Matano, KCB, who did not create major chances, patiently waited for their moment, utilised their chance and bagged the three points.

Homeboyz solve striking problems in time to down Posta

Kakamega Homeboyz shook off their wastefulness in front of goal that has marred their recent encounters to secure a win over Posta Rangers.

The Mozzart Bet-sponsored side was ruthless and scored through half-chances, unlike in their previous matches, where they wasted big chances.

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Should they maintain their scoring touch as was the case against Posta, they will be in line to finish the season in the top three.