NSL: Kenya Police move top in race for Premier League promotion

Mt Kenya’s Eric Kimata fighting it out with Goalkeeper Reuben Juma of Police during NSL match against Dandora Love FC former Mt Kenya FC at Ruaraka grounds, June 2, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Police moved top of the standings after edging out newbies Mully Children’s Family (MCF) FC 2-0 in one of the six National Super League matches played over the weekend.

Only six matches could be played as matches in Western and Nyanza region remain suspended due to the measures imposed by the government to curb the rising cases of Covid-19 in the region.

Samuel Ndungu and Alvin Magengi strikes in each half was enough to hand the service men all three points as the race to earn the two automatic qualification spots to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League next season.

The victory leaves Police top of the standings with 43 points, a pint behind Kibera Black Stars in second place.

The Slum Boys edged out Coast Stima 2-1 courtesy of Robert Mbugua and Daniel Odhiambo’s goals in each half. Lucky Kaingu netted for the power men in the first half.

FC Talanta who did not play over the weekend slipped to third with 41 points after earlier FKF blow where three points were deducted from their initial tally of 44 points.

FKF awarded maximum points to Migori Youth for the abandoned match pitting them against Talanta on a two goals, three point’s basis.

The match played on June 11 in Migori was abandoned in the 75th minute after FC Talanta walked away from the pitch when the referee decided to award Migori Youth a late penalty with both teams tied at 1-1.

"Following the abandonment of Match No. 217 between Migori Youth FC and FC Talanta, the FKF Secretariat, guided by the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football, have awarded the match to Migori Youth FC on a 2-0, 3 points basis," said FKF.

Shabana FC remained fourth in the standings with 38 points despite drawing 2-2 against relegation threatened Mount Kenya United.

Mwatate United moved to the bottom half table with 34 points after edging out bottom placed Soy United 3-2 in a five-goal thriller match.

Sixth placed Fortune Sacco wasted a chance to move into the top five after being held to a 1-1 draw by 16th placed Modern Coast Rangers.

Nairobi Stima saw off APS Bomet 2-1 to move out of the relegation zone and climb up to 13th in the standings.

Modern Coast, Coast Stima and Soy United remain bottom of the table and at threat of dropping to the Division One next season.