The action continued on Sunday with three fierce encounters as unbeaten Kariobangi Sharks played host to at the Machakos Stadium while welcomed FC Talanta at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the Kinoru Stadium played host to a fiery derby as Ulinzi Stars welcomed Police FC.
Tanzania bounced back from a goal down to beat Kenya 2-1 to clinch the U-20 CECAFA AFCON qualifying trophy on Sunday afternoon.
Kariobangi Sharks vs AFC Leopards
Kariobangi Sharks went into the clash with AFC Leopards aiming for a fourth consecutive win and eager to protect their unbeaten record against a Leopards side looking to continue their winning momentum following their previous victory over Nairobi City Stars before the international break.
Sharks head coach William Muluya made several changes to the side that dispatched Kakamega Homeboys 1-0 prior to the international break with defender Ian Karani doming the arm band in the absence of captain Kevin Onesmus.
Victor Ngume remained the only forward to retain his position as Paul Ajawa came into the side in place of the absent Izaak Otieno and Stephen Bwire joining the midfield trio of Biron Otieno and Keith Imbali.
tactician Thomas Trucha opted for Ochieng Ovella in attack as Vincent Mahiga and Kayci Odhiambo got back in the starting team with Opiyo Levis in goal and captain Omune Victor leading in midfield.
The defending champions Gor Mahia continued their strong start in league action with a 3-0 thrashing of Posta Rangers.
Sharks proved to be a handful for Trucha’s side in the opening 20 minutes capitalizing on their dominance in the 19th minute as Biron Otieno combined with Fredrick Alushula to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Leopards responded well in the 27th minute as Victor Omune levelled the score from Arthur Gitegos delivery.
hero Alushula marred his performance when he received his matching orders in the 72nd minute, leaving the host down to 10 men.
The match ended 1-1 as both teams settled for a point, maintaining their places on the log standings with Ingwe in 3rd on 10 points and Sharks just a point above them in second.
Tusker FC vs FC Talanta
Earlier at the Machakos stadium, had dispatched Talanta FC 3-1 with goals from Tome Teka and George Kaddu.
Talanta started well with Bernard Odhiambo converting from the spot in the 3rd minute to give them the lead after Teka Fuchaka Cyprian in the box.
The visionary player who has been a fresh breath at the middle of the park for K'O Gallo, started in the 3-0 demolition of Rangers in the rain-soaked Kenyatta stadium.
Jackline Juma’s side however relinquished the lead just 3 minutes later as Teka rectified his mistake ending up on the end of Mike Oduor’s delivery in the box to level the scores.
Charles Okere’s side made good use of the shift in momentum to pull ahead in the 26th minute through George Kaddu.
Kaddu proved too hot to handle for Talanta as he added his second to give the Brewer a comfortable 3-1 lead going into half time, seeing out the second half to collect maximum points.
The win sees the Brewer rise on the log standings to place 5th on 8 points, 5 away from the summit while Talanta places 10th with 4 points.
Gor Mahia came into the game on high confidence having thrashed Mathare United 4-0 in their league opener and took the game away from Posta Rangers.
Elsewhere at Kinoru Stadium, Ulinzi Stars and Police FC faced off in a highly anticipated derby.
Both teams put up a resilient fight resulting in an intense and competitive match.
Despite several attempts on goal from both sides neither Ulinzi Stars nor Police could find the back of the net and the first half ended in a stalemate.
The second half saw a more aggressive push from both teams as they tried to break the deadlock.
Ulinzi Stars created a few chances but were repeatedly thwarted by a strong the defense.
Likewise, Police attempted to capitalize on Ulinzi’s momentary lapses, but the soldiers’ goalkeeper Sylvaine Rick was in top form denying their efforts. The
In the end the match concluded with a 0-0 draw leaving both sides to settle for a point each