FKF Premier League: City Stars winless run continues after another draw against Sofapaka

Japanesse international Yuto Kusaba (left) in action for Naiorbi City Stars. [City Stars,X]

Nairobi City Stars' struggles in the 2024-2025 FKF Premier League season continued after they laboured to a 1-1 draw against Sofapaka at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday.

Both sides had been searching for their first win of the campaign, but after a frustrating match, they remain winless as their underwhelming starts continue.

Coming off a two-week break for the October FIFA international window, expectations were high for improvement from both teams.

The break had allowed time for Nairobi City Stars and Sofapaka to regroup, with coaches Robert Matano and Nicholas Muyoti tasked with addressing their teams' issues.

However, Saturday’s clash showcased little in terms of significant improvement, as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances in a match characterized by sporadic rain.

Sofapaka drew first blood in the 29th minute when central defensive midfielder Jack Onganya found the back of the net.

His well-timed strike gave Batoto ba Mungu the lead, a crucial moment that set the tone for a tightly contested first half. Sofapaka looked comfortable in possession, but neither side was able to assert full control over the game.

City Stars, who had performed well in the previous campaign, found themselves under pressure, having lost their last two matches to AFC Leopards and Mara Sugar.

The team desperately needed a win to turn their fortunes around, but their first-half efforts were thwarted by Sofapaka’s solid defense.

It was Japanese striker Yuto Kusaba who finally provided the breakthrough for Nairobi City Stars, leveling the score in the 59th minute with a composed finish.

Kusaba's goal not only earned his side a valuable point but also prevented what would have been a third consecutive defeat for the Kawangware-based outfit.

Despite the draw, City Stars’ winless run remains a concern for coach Nicholas Muyoti, who had hoped the international break would provide enough time for his side to regroup.

For Sofapaka, the draw marks another missed opportunity to secure their first win of the season.

Coach Robert Matano will be looking to refine his team’s attack, as they have struggled to convert chances into goals despite showing flashes of quality in midfield.

With the draw, both Nairobi City Stars and Sofapaka remain winless in the FKF Premier League, and the pressure will only mount as they search for their first victories of the season. The next few matches will be crucial as they aim to avoid getting dragged into early-season relegation battles.

In Mombasa, 10-man Bandari played out to a 0-0 draw with Muranga SEAL. Sharrif Majabe was shown a straight red card in the 90^th minute.