By Bonface Osano and Festus Chuma,
A total of 20 goals were celebrated in the opening six matches of the 2017 Kenyan Premier League season, an average of 3 goals per match.
There were four away wins and two home wins with no draws recorded. Three teams managed to keep clean sheets.
Tusker FC 2-5 Nzoia United
Newbies Nzoia United were among the big winners of the weekend – walloping defending champions Tusker FC 5-2 to storm to the summit of the table standings on goal difference.
Noah Wafula opened scoring for “the Brewers” with a 9th minute strike at the Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on Saturday, but Elvis Rupiah leveled in the 22nd minute from a set piece.
Veteran midfielder Edwin Wafula then put the visitors in the lead from the spot for a 2-1 score line at the breather.
The coach George “Best” Nsimbe’s charges managed to restore parity early second half through Ugandan full back Shafik Batambuze, who curled a beautiful free kick to tie the scores 2-2.
But Nzoia were not done yet – restoring the lead in the 51st minute through Brian Otieno, who completed a brace in the 64th minute.
The rude awakening condemns Tusker to the bottom of the log.
Bandari FC 1-0 Nakumatt FC
Another new entrant into the topflight Nakumatt were however unlucky at the Coast, going down 1-0 against Bandari FC.
Former Gor Mahia striker Enock Agwanda notched the all-important goal in the 41st minute to set the Dockers on the right path.
Kariobangi Sharks 1-3 Gor Mahia
Multiple champions Gor Mahia outclassed Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 away in Thika in a match that was billed as the match of the weekend.
The coach Ze Maria’s outfit oozed class and experienced as they rolled over the Sharks, who were tasting premier league action for the first time.
Lanky defender Harun Shakava set K’Ogalo on the victory path with a 19th minute header, which Rwandan captain Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza doubled in the 39th minute.
The second stanza was no different with Gor continuing with their dominance.
Rwandan forward flicked home the third from Godffrey Walusimbi’s cross in the 88th minute to stretch the game beyond Sharks.
Martin Odongo grabbed the consolation for the hosts in the added minutes – capitalizing on a defensive lapse to fire past goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch, who had been superb till that moment.
Mathare 3-2 Thika United
Mahare United kicked off the first week of the season with a 3-2 win over Thika United.David Owino saved the slum boys blushes after Christopher Oruchum and Sosthenes Idah had scored for Thika in a match that looked destinated for a two all draw.
Thika United took the lead on 24th minute through Christopher Oruchum header before George Owino restored parity in a similar fashion.
It was the turn for Mathare to take the lead with Ronald Okoth connecting a loose ball to slot home the second.
Sosthenes Idah levelled the matters fifteen minutes after start of second stanza before David Owino grabbed the winner in the dying minutes of the game to hand Mathare three points.
Chemelil Sugar 2-0 Sony Sugar
Willis Ouma and Edwin Omondi were both on target as Chemelil beat their counterparts Sony in the first sugar derby of the season played in Awendo.
It took 50 minutes for the visitors to break the deadlock when Edwin Omondi rose high for a beatiful header into an empty net for the first goal.
Sony missed several open chances and failure to defend well made them get punished at half an hour mark when Victor Ademba fouled Collins Neto inside the 18-yard area.Willis Ouma stepped forward to slot home the penalty.
Posta Rangers Fc 1-0 Zoo Kericho
A 10-man Posta Rangers Fc went to mow edging newcomers Zoo Kericho1-0 at Afraha Stadium. Denis Mukaisi was the hero for the mailmen as his solo strike early in the second half ensured they collected maximum points.
Gilbert Wesonga received the marching orders for second bookable offence in the second half but Zoo Kericho were unable to utilise the advantage.
