Kenyan teams registered mixed results during their pre-season friendly matches in Tanzania and Rwanda respectively as they stepped up preparations for the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season set to kick off on August 26.
In Rwanda at the Kigali Pele Stadium, Kenya Police scored a second-half goal to sink Rayon Sports 1-0. Midfielder Tyson Otieno, who joined the law enforcers from Kariobangi Sharks this transfer window, produced a great assist which another new signing Kenneth Muguna tapped home for the winner in the 68th minute.
Rayon used the friendly during the occasion to parade their new signings and head coach ahead of the upcoming Rwandan Premier League. In Kampala, Ugandan Premier League outfit KCCA FC scored in either half to sink Kakamega Homeboyz 2-0 in a pre-season friendly at Philip Omondi Stadium on Friday. The Kasasiro Boys took a deserved lead in the 29th minute when Arafat Usama bundled home a loose ball inside Homeboyz’s dangerzone before Julius Poloto smashed home the winner in the 69th minute to the delight of the fans, who thronged the match venue.
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Homeboyz used the pre-season fixture as part of their preparations for their preliminary round first leg fixture of the Caf Confederation Cup against Al Hilal Benghazi of Libya set for August 18 in Nairobi. Abana Baingo earned the ticket to represent Kenya in the continental scene for the first time in their history after defeating Tusker 1-0 in the final of the Mozzart Bet FKF Cup.
Elsewhere, Bandari suffered a 2-0 defeat against Azam FC at the Azam Complex in Chamazi on Saturday. Goals from Cheikh Sidibe in the first half and Prince Dube in the second half ensured the Ice Cream Makers won the closely fought battle in readiness for the new season.
Meanwhile, after unveiling five new signings, Tusker FC have hit the road to Tanzania for two build-up matches. On Saturday, the Brewers paraded Joseph Mwangi from Nzoia Sugar, James Kibande from Kenya Police, Fabian Adikiny from Murang’a Seal FC, Ugandan John Byamukama from Gaddafi FC, while goalkeeper Edwin Simiyu was promoted from the Youth Team.