FKFPL: Sharks, Kenya Police and Mara Sugar break winless runs as APS Bomet struggles continue
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 05.10.25. | 19:12
At Kasarani Annex in Nairobi, Kariobangi Sharks defeated Mathare United 2-1 in the much-anticipated Slum Derby to claim their first maximum points of the season and end their goal drought
Sunday, 5 October, turned into a day of firsts in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) as three sides ,Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya Police FC and Mara Sugar, finally secured their maiden victories of the 2025/26 season, while newcomers APS Bomet’s harsh introduction to the top flight continued.
At Kasarani Annex in Nairobi, Kariobangi Sharks defeated Mathare United 2-1 in the much-anticipated Slum Derby to claim their first maximum points of the season and end their goal drought.
A forced own goal by Mathare and a maiden top-flight strike by 18-year-old Markvivian Kesa, signed this season from Naivas FC, secured the win for William Muluya’s side.
Veteran midfielder Elli Asieche scored Mathare’s consolation in stoppage time.
The match started cautiously, with both sides probing but unable to create clear chances in the opening 10 minutes.
Sharks threatened first in the 17th minute when Andreas Odhiambo raced behind the defence to meet a pass from Kesa, but Mathare goalkeeper Kevin Ouru rushed off his line to clear the danger.
Mathare responded two minutes later when Herrit Mungai swung in a free kick that was comfortably dealt with by Sharks goalkeeper Sebastian Wekesa.
Sharks’ pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when Kesa forced a defender into putting the ball into his own net.
Six minutes later, debutant Keegan Zakayo showed his intent but saw his long-range effort fly over the bar.
Mathare grew into the game towards the break and almost levelled in the 39th minute, but their final efforts went wide or were denied by Wekesa.
A long-range drive from Steve Kimari missed the target by inches before the midfielder forced the Sharks keeper into a full-stretch save moments later.
Sharks held their lead at half-time.
Mathare coach John Kamau made two changes at the restart, introducing captain Asieche and striker Meshack Ochieno.
The pair, together with Derrick Anami and Mungai, tested Sharks’ defence but could not find a breakthrough.
In the 62nd minute, Anami squandered a glorious chance when he mis-hit his effort after good control from a Brian Ouru pass.
Three minutes later, Kesa wrote his name into the derby’s history by scoring Sharks’ second and his first in the FKFPL and the team’s first goal of the season.
Mathare pushed forward in the final stages and pulled one back in stoppage time when Asieche converted a free kick, but Sharks held on.
The victory extends Sharks’ recent dominance in the derby, having now won three of the last four meetings.
Mathare’s last win over Sharks was in February 2023.
The three points moved Sharks to sixth on the table with five points after four matches, while Mathare sit 11th with four points.
Aps Bomet 0-1 Kenya Police
At Kericho Green Stadium, defending champions Kenya Police overcame APS Bomet 1-0 in the Police Service derby to pick up their first win of the season.
Clinton Kinanga scored the decisive goal in the 41st minute. The match ended on a sour note for the winners after Marvin Nabwire received a red card deep into stoppage time.
Police had started the season with a goalless draw against Ulinzi Stars and find themselves ninth on the log with four points after the win in Kericho.
APS Bomet, coached by Michael Nam in their maiden season in the top tier, remain rooted to the bottom of the table without a point after three defeats.
The Black Berets were beaten 4-2 by Shabana on opening day and 2-0 by Murang’a Seal before this latest setback.
Ulinzi Stars 1-2 Mara Sugar
At the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Mara Sugar claimed their first FKFPL win of the season with a surprise 2-1 victory over Ulinzi Stars, handing the Soldiers their first loss of the campaign.
David Omondi struck twice for Mara Sugar while Ibrahim Shambi's goal was a consolation for Ulinzi.
The win lifts Mara Sugar to 10th place with four points, while Ulinzi drop to fifth on five points.
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