Defender Eugene Asike bundled home the lone goal in the 82 minute to earn Sofapaka a hard fought 1-0 win over Thika United in a Kenya Premier League match at the City stadium yesterday.

The 21 year old international defender reacted quickly to a loose ball after Thika custodian Lucas Indeche had parried the ball after coming together with veteran striker John Baraza. This followed Obadiah Tarumbwa's ball in the box.

At Kasarani AFC Leopards needed a late penalty from new signing Noah Abich to salvage a 1-1 draw and share the spoils with Chemelil Sugar.

A first half strike from Jared Obwoge had made nonesense of Chemelil's protestion of being made to play their home match at Leopards backyards in Nairobi.

New boys Kakamega Homeboyz and Bandari enjoyed contrasting fortunes in this years top flight league. Homeboyz ran away 3-1 victors over Karuturi Sports in Bukhungu Stadium after a Dennis Mukaisi brace and Paul Odhiambo's effort.

Andrew Murunga scoring for the flower men. Bandari fell to a Wycliffe Ochomo goal against Ulinzi Stars in the 1-0 loss to the soldiers at Nakuru's Afraha Stadium.