Round 23 of the Sportpesa League unfolded over three days, delivering decisive statements in the title race and intensifying anxiety at the bottom of the table. From Kakamega on Friday to a rain-lashed Sunday in Nairobi and Awendo, the weekend carried weight across both extremes of the standings.
It began under the Friday night lights where Kakamega Homeboyz secured a 2–0 victory over Sofapaka, setting the tone for a round that would tilt the balance at the summit and stir the survival fight.
Saturday belonged largely to AFC Leopards, who knew a win would heap pressure on the leaders. At Nyayo Stadium, Ingwe wasted little time. Kelly Madada struck in the 11th minute, his effort from the edge of the area arcing into the top corner beyond reach. Ten minutes later, Kayci Odhiambo doubled the advantage, calmly finishing off Samuel Semos’ well-delivered corner to give Leopards breathing room.
For long spells, the contest looked settled before halftime. Yet Posta Rangers refused to fade. Ponda Karisa pulled one back in the 69th minute, shifting the mood and forcing Leopards to dig in. The final stages were tense, but Ingwe held firm for a 2–1 win that briefly trimmed the gap at the top to three points, moving them to 40 points.
In Murang’a, the drama was even richer as Bandari FC edged Murang’a Seals 3–2 in a five-goal thriller. Bandari captain Andrew Juma struck early, capitalising on a dominant opening spell. After the restart, Joe Waithera took control. The league’s leading scorer levelled ten minutes into the second half before producing a dazzling solo effort on 70 minutes, weaving past defenders and finishing confidently for his second of the evening and 15th of the campaign.
But the visitors were not done. Geoffrey Ojunga equalised in the 81st minute before Shariff Majabe completed the turnaround five minutes later, sealing all three points in the closing moments and silencing the home crowd.
Elsewhere, Shabana FC ground out a narrow 1–0 win over Tusker FC at Gusii Stadium. The decisive moment arrived in the 39th minute when Brian Michira’s attempt deflected off Thomas Teka for an own goal, handing Tusker’s new coach a defeat in his first match in charge.
Nairobi United delivered one of the most convincing displays of the round, dispatching Bidco United 3–0. Mustafa Kizza’s spectacular strike set the pace before January arrivals Kevin Wangaya and Benson Omalla added gloss after the interval, with Wangaya marking his debut with a goal. The win lifted Nairobi United into ninth on 28 points, while Bidco remained rooted in 17th.
The Nairobi derby between Kariobangi Sharks and Mathare United ended 1–1, neither side able to fully seize control in a tightly contested affair.
Sunday’s spotlight shifted to a rain-soaked Nyayo National Stadium where Gor Mahia reasserted their authority with a commanding 3–0 victory over KCB FC.
Kick-off was delayed by 20 minutes due to a heavy downpour in Nairobi, but once underway, the league leaders were clinical. With Leopards having reduced the margin a day earlier, Gor responded emphatically. In the 24th minute, Enock Morisson’s long-range strike took a slight deflection and nestled in the bottom corner. Four minutes later, Samuel Kapen surged down the right and squared for Shariff Musa to finish calmly.
The third goal arrived just before halftime, Morisson turning provider and Musa returning the favour for Kapen, whose powerful strike rattled the roof of the net. At 3–0 by the break, the contest was effectively settled. Gor Mahia extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches, six of them consecutive wins, and restored a six-point cushion.
Earlier in the day, defending champions Kenya Police FC were held to a goalless draw by league newcomers APS Bomet FC in a rain-affected clash. The conditions at Police Sacco Stadium reduced the match to a physical battle. Police lost goalkeeper Job Ochieng to injury early on, and clear chances were scarce. Despite late attempts to force a breakthrough, neither side found a winner. The result left Police further adrift in the title chase, while Bomet edged a point clear of the relegation zone.
In Awendo, Mara Sugar FC claimed a vital 2–1 win over Ulinzi Stars. Alex Imbusia opened the scoring before Daniel Wafula doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime. Bonventure Muchika’s late effort for Ulinzi proved only a consolation. Mara’s first win since mid-December lifted them to 12th on 24 points, while Ulinzi remained entrenched in the relegation struggle.
Sportpesa League Round 23 Results
Friday
Kakamega Homeboyz 2–0 Sofapaka
Saturday
Shabana 1–0 Tusker
Nairobi United 3–0 Bidco United
Murang’a Seals 2–3 Bandari
Kariobangi Sharks 1–1 Mathare United
AFC Leopards 2–1 Posta Rangers
Sunday
Kenya Police 0–0 APS Bomet
Mara Sugar 2–1 Ulinzi Stars
Gor Mahia 3–0 KCB
Standings after weekend results.
