Gor Mahia drop points as Tusker and Nzoia Sugar bag wins

Rooney Onyango (L) of Gor Mahia FC take on Fiston Razak of Sofapaka FC during their FKF Premier League match at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on August 26, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Defending champions Gor Mahia were held to a 1-1 draw by Sofapaka at Kasarani Stadium as the 2023-2024 FKF Premier League kicked off on Saturday.

Sofapaka took a first-half lead through Darius Msagha's deflected effort, a goal the 2009 champions defended with all their energy until the center referee pointed to the spot in the 80^th minute.

The club's top scorer last season Benson Omalla stepped up to slot in and salvage a point for Gor Mahia.

In Mombasa, former champions Tusker got their season off to a good start despite playing with 10 men for more than 30 minutes.

David Odoyo was shown a straight red card in the 58^th minute but a first-half strike by Deogratias Ojok was enough for the brewers to collect maximum points against Bandari at Mbaraki Sports Complex.

The 1-0 win sees Robert Matano's plan of recapturing the title they lost last season to Gor Mahia underway.

In Bungoma, Nzoia Sugar has once again reminded doubters that Sudi Stadium is still a fortress despite losing a majority of their key players, and their tactician Salim Babu after coming from behind to secure maximum points in a 2-1 win over Ulinzi Stars.

New signing Benjamin Mosha put the visitors ahead in the 32nd minute as the Soldiers took a narrow 1-0 halftime lead at foreign territory.

In the final half, Victor Haki initiated the comeback after drawing Nzoia Sugar level in the 52^nd minute.

The comeback will completed by Victor Oyugi who arrived from the bench to score the a 90th-minute match-winner.

Saturday 2023-2024 FKF Premier League Results

Gor Mahia 1-1 Sofapaka

Bandari 0-1 Tusker

Nzoia Sugar 2-1 Ulinzi Stars

Kariobangi Sharks 0-0 Kenya Police