Six key lessons from FKF Premier League matchweek 10

The FKF Premier League matchweek 10 is successfully done and dusted, with matches taking place from Saturday, 22 November to Monday, 24 November, leaving pundits and fans at large with several talking points.

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There were teams who extended their great form while others continued slipping. Other teams ended their torrid runs with coaches saving their jobs even as some players stole the show, both for good and bad reasons.

All in all, such are the characteristics of a football league season and part of why people fall in love with the beautiful game.

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As is our custom, Mozzart Sport took time to analyse and churn out six key talking points from the matchweek.

Gor Mahia exhibits the mark of champions

Record 21-time league champions Gor Mahia secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over fellow Kenyan giants Tusker FC in a Saturday afternoon clash held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The all-important strike came courtesy of an own goal by Collins Odhiambo. The Tusker right back played a harmless backpass to his goalkeeper, Brian Opondo, who failed to control the ball and helplessly watched it roll into the back of the net.

The Harambee Stars goalkeeper grabbed the headlines thereafter, with fans across the board expressing disappointment in the manner in which the goal was conceded.

Most importantly, though, K’Ogalo were not firing from all cylinders on the day, and conceded possession cheaply, especially through Harambee Stars midfielder Alpha Onyango, while also wasting several half-chances.

However, as is the mark of champions, the Charles Akonnor-coached side managed to grind and see off the game even on a day that they were not at their best.

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Gor Mahia are still at the summit of the league with 19 points, while Tusker sit 10th on the log with 12 points.

AFC Leopards fail to create Mashemeji Derby momentum

While K’Ogalo had results go their way, it was not the case for their arch-rivals, AFC Leopards, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday, 23 November at Kasarani Stadium.

Sharks, missing their head coach William Muluya, who is currently leading the Kenya U17 boys, took a first-half lead through Humphrey Aroko before Ingwe battled out to secure an equaliser through captain Victor Omune.

Leopards, who are third on the log standings, had hoped to secure a win that would boost their confidence and give them momentum ahead of their next match, the Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia on Saturday, 29 November.

The 1998 league champions will now head into the derby on the back of a three-match winless run, while K’Ogalo have won two and drawn one of their last three.

Robert Matano buys more time at KCB

KCB FC secured a 1-0 victory away to Mara Sugar FC to end their five-match winless streak that included three losses.

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Despite starting the season well, KCB endured a rough patch that left head coach Robert Matano, who was hired at the start of the season, under pressure.

The veteran tactician was one of the likely candidates for the next managerial sack in the league, but will breathe a sigh of relief after securing a win that moved them from the relegation zone to 13th with 11 points.

Kenya Police FC joins the leading pack

Reining champions Kenya Police FC are now among the leading pack following their 1-0 win over Mathare United that catapulted them to fourth on the league table with 14 points, five shy of Gor Mahia and with a game in hand.

The Law Enforcers, who were already eliminated from the CAF Champions League, will also take delight in the clean sheet, even as head coach Dusan Stojanovic continued to win the hearts of the team's faithful.

Bidco’s goal drought persists

Bidco FC’s goal-drought extended to four games after their goalless draw away to Bandari FC on Saturday, 22 November.

The Oilers last scored in their 2-1 victory over Ulinzi Stars on Wednesday, 29 October, the only match where they have scored more than one goal this season.

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Overall, the Thika-based side has scored only five goals in nine league matches, something that coach Anthony Akhulia said gives him sleepless nights.

While the team has also kept six clean sheets, the joint highest in the league, they must find a way to score if they are to post better results.

Ulinzi’s resurgence on course

Military side, Ulinzi Stars, secured their second consecutive win as the battle to steady their rocking ship continues.

After a seven-match winless streak following their season opener victory over Murang'a Seal, the 2010 league champions won against APS Bomet before gunning down Sofapaka on Monday, 24 November.

Head coach Stephen Ochola seems to be getting into his rhythm with the team after successfully untangling the side from the relegation zone, propelling them up to ninth on the table with 12 points ahead of their next match against Bandari FC on Sunday, 30 November at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.