Mara Sugar started their National Super League (NSL) campaign on a positive note, edging Mombasa Stars 1-0 at Mbaraki Sports Ground.
The club’s top scorer from last season, Philemon Nyakwaka, picked from where he left when he nodded home Robert Obaga’s cross in the 50th minute.
Mara Sugar coach Francis Xavier said: “It was a good start and I believe it will give us momentum ahead of the next match. I want the boys to remain focused and minimize destruction.”
The team is targeting an automatic qualification to the top-flight league after finishing fourth last season.
Debutants Luanda Villa also had a dream start when they drubbed Mombasa Elite 5-0 at Mumboha playground in Vihiga County.
Villa went ahead in the second minute when Delle Riziki put the ball into his own net in the second minute. Timothy Ndalaya, Harrison Tiema, Samuel Maya and Emmanuel Juma were on target for the newcomers.
Another newbie, Nairobi United edged Kibera Black Stars 2-0 at Ligi Ndogo grounds after goals from Brian Lusamukha and Isaac Omweri.
At Moi Stadium in Kisumu, hosts Kisumu All Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Silibwet. Laktano Kiprotich gave Silibwet the lead while new signing Kevin Monyi equalised for the Blue Eagles.
Kisumu All Stars on Friday named Carl Warinda as head coach. He previously served as an assistant coach.
Mathare United and Migori Youth played to a barren draw at Migori Stadium with the hosts missing a last-minute penalty kick.
On Saturday, Rainbow FC edged Darajani Gogo 1-0 through Tyron Kariuki effort.
Kajiado United defeated Vihiga United 2-1 at Mumias Sports Complex. Geoffrey Kaduka scored for Vihiga while Ayub Twaha and Brian Loter were on target for the visitors.
Mully Children’s Family and SS Assad battled to a 2-2 draw. Norman Werunga and Mohammed Anaba scored for MCF while Abdalla Ndieka and Elmon Kasaya were on target for SS Assad.
At the Wolves' Den, Naivas edged Dimba Patriots 3-2. Vincent Likare scored a brace while Brian Ouru wrapped up the scores for Naivas. Danis Omondi and Joseph Tindo replied for Dimba Patriots.
At Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho, hosts Gusii FC walloped Vihiga Bullets 5-1 in a one-sided match. Cyrus Oucho, Abel Nyatenga, Vincent Wanga, Mathew Tegisi, and Adelbert Mogendi scored for Gusii FC while John Juma scored Vihiga Bullets’ consolation goal.
