The race for the playoffs is heating up
The action in the second tier KRU Championship continued on Saturday, January 20, 2024, with South Coast Pirates and Impala emerging as the undisputed leaders, both remaining undefeated.
At the Seacrest Ground in Diani, South Coast Pirates faced a formidable challenge from Masinde Muliro, ultimately securing victory with a hard-fought 17-8 win.
This triumph not only showcased their resilience but also solidified their position at the helm of the log with an impressive 23 points. With a superior goal difference, they stand shoulder to shoulder with Impala in their quest for championship glory.
Impala flexed their prowess at the Impala Club, overpowering Mean Machine with a convincing 28-12 scoreline. This crucial win not only maintained their second-place standing on the log but also fueled their aspirations for a sought-after home semifinal qualification. In contrast, Mean Machine, adorned with Kenya Cup championships in 1977, 1989, and 1990, remained rooted at the bottom of the log.
Playoff Positions Shuffle
Despite Masinde Muliro's loss, they managed to cling onto a Top 6 playoff slot with 15 points, slipping from third to fourth place. Daystar Falcons, also boasting 15 points, climbed the ladder in the absence of a fixture this weekend, exchanging positions with Masinde Muliro. The battle for playoff contention intensifies as teams jostle for strategic positions.
UoE Trojans' Triumph at Home
UoE Trojans secured a pivotal home victory against Mombasa, triumphing with a commanding 22-5 scoreline. This notable result propelled them to the fifth spot on the log with 9 points, while Mombasa found themselves in eighth place with 4 points. The coastal clash added another layer of excitement to the championship narrative.
Western Bulls' Double 30 Delight
Former Kenya Cup side Western Bulls continued their stellar performance, notching up 30 points for the second consecutive match. They conquered hosts USIU Martials with a decisive 32-15 victory in Nairobi, propelling themselves to the sixth spot on the log with 9 points. In contrast, USIU Martials languished at the tenth spot, yet to collect a point from their three outings.
JKUAT Cougars Secure a Tight Win
The JKUAT Cougars clinched a hard-fought victory on the road against Kabarak University, securing a narrow 7-6 scoreline. This crucial win propelled them to the ninth spot on the log with 3 points, showcasing the tenacity required in the competitive landscape of the KRU Championship.
Collated KRU Championship Match Day 5 Results | Saturday 20 January 2024:
South Coast Pirates 17-8 Masinde Muliro
Impala 28-12 Mean Machine
Kabarak University 6-7 JKUAT Cougars
UoE Trojans 22-5 Mombasa
USIU Martials 15-32 Western Bulls