Defending Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia started their 2018 campaign on a positive note by thrashing Nakumatt FC 4-0 in a one-sided match played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday 3rd February.

Meddie Kagere grabbed a hattrick, the first goal coming in the 14th minute and the second and third in the 52nd and 78th minute respectively. Wellington Ochieng finished off the job in the 80th minute.

Ulinzi Stars 4-2 Zoo FC

Ulinzi Stars beat Zoo FC 4-2 in the first televised match played at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on the same day. Enosh Ochieng opened the scoring in the third minute and Cliff Kasuti doubled the lead in the 13th minute with an easy tap in after Enosh had done the spade work. Nicholas Kipkirui pulled one back for Zoo in the 35th with a powerful header.

Daniel Waweru made it 3-1 just before the break with a volley from inside the box after a good cross from Kasuti on the right flank. Reigning KPL MVP Mike Madoya was having a hard time from the onset but rose to the occasion at the hours mark, exchanging neat passes with Nicholas Kipkirui and racing to the box to tap in the latter’s pass to make matters 3-2. This seems to have scared the homeside who upped their tempo, new signing Masita Masuta scoring the fourth goal after Kevin Amwayi, who had come in for Enosh Ochieng, crossed in beautifully from the right.

“We made a lot of mistakes especially on the back and when you do that it’s hard to win a match. We were also very careless and slow to respond and this costed us the match. We will go back to the drawing board and come back stronger. Madoya (Mike) has so much pressure on him right now since he won many awards last season but it’s just the beginning of the season and I am sure he will redeem himself in the upcoming matches.” – Sammy Okoth, Zoo FC Head Coach

“This was my first match as Ulinzi Stars Head Coach and it is good to start with a win and score four goals in the process. However, I am not happy with my defense. We conceded very easy goals and that is something we will have to work on ahead of the next match.” – Danstan Nyaudo, Ulinzi Stars Head Coach

Posta Rangers 1-1 AFC Leopards

Posta Rangers held AFC Leopards to a 1-1 draw in another entertaining match played at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru. Brian Marita gave Ingwe an early lead in the sixth minute but Danson Kago equalized with a powerful header in the 42nd minute.

Posta could have taken the lead in the 53rd minute after Ingwe custodian Jairus Adira brought down John Nairuka in the box but the goalkeeper redeemed himself by saving Joseph Mbugi’s resultant penalty. Adira also did well to deny Kennedy Otieno in the 82nd minute, parrying away his hard shot from inside the box to safety.

Other results

Nzoia Sugar FC 0-1 Kariobangi Sharks

Chemelil Sugar 2-0 Tusker FC

Wazito 1-0 Sony Sugar FC