Round Seven of the SportPesa League served up a mixed bag of results across the country, with AFC Leopards extending their unbeaten run, Gor Mahia and league leaders Kakamega Homeboyz being held, and Sofapaka issuing a brutal reality check to newcomers Nairobi United.
Saturday’s early kick-off in Awendo saw Mara Sugar play out a 0–0 draw against Bandari FC, a result that offered little redemption after their midweek collapse against Sofapaka. The sugar men laboured for openings, while Bandari were solid at the back, both sides ultimately settling for a share of the spoils.
At the Dandora Stadium, Sofapaka handed history-makers Nairobi United a harsh lesson in top-flight football with a commanding 3–0 victory. The Batoto ba Mungu, inspired by Joseph Kuloba, Bramuel Simiyu and Japheth Mzungu, outclassed their opponents, who only days earlier had been celebrating qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. Sofapaka’s win, their second of the season, marked a strong response after recent inconsistencies.
Over in Kasarani, Kariobangi Sharks and Shabana FC battled to a controversial 0–0 draw. The biggest talking point came in the 81st minute when Austin Odongo’s spectacular bicycle kick for Shabana was disallowed for a foul, a decision that drew heavy criticism from fans online. Despite the controversy, the draw halted Shabana’s three-game losing streak and offered a sliver of relief to coach Peter Okidi.
Sunday’s fixtures maintained the tight pattern that has defined this season. At Bukhungu Stadium, Tusker FC were denied victory by a late Kakamega Homeboyz equalizer in a 1–1 stalemate. Dennis Oalo had put the brewers ahead early in the second half before Oliver Majaka struck an 89th-minute leveller to rescue a point for Homeboyz. Tusker assistant coach George Maina expressed frustration at the late concession, insisting his side deserved more after a disciplined display.
At the Police Sacco Stadium, defending champions Kenya Police FC were held to a 0–0 draw by Posta Rangers, a result overshadowed by off-field developments as the club officially unveiled new Serbian coach Stojanovic Dusan, replacing Burundi’s Etienne Ndayiragije.
Newly promoted APS Bomet picked up a morale-boosting point in another 0–0 draw away to Bidco United, a result that felt like victory for the visitors as they continue to battle at the foot of the table.
At Nyayo National Stadium,AFC Leopards maintained their impressive form with a 2–0 win over Mathare United, courtesy of goals from Brian Mahiga and James Kinyanjui. The result extended Ingwe’s unbeaten run to 14 league matches stretching back to last season and marked their third consecutive victory after a slow start marked by three draws. Coach Fred Ambani’s side now looks firmly in rhythm, blending solidity at the back with sharper attacking play.
At St. Sebastian Park,Murang’a, Murang’a Seal secured a crucial 2–1 win over KCB FC, a result that compounded pressure on coach Robert Matano, who has now suffered four defeats in six matches. Osama’s strike on the stroke of halftime and Joe Waithera’s late finish sealed Osborn Monday’s first win since taking charge from Don Otieno, before KCB pulled one back deep into stoppage time.
The weekend concluded at Kasarani, where Gor Mahia were held 1–1 by Ulinzi Stars in a tense affair. The record champions took an early lead in the 6th minute when Enoch Morrison’s corner was flicked on by Felix Oluoch and bundled into the net via an Ulinzi defender for an own goal. However, Gor’s failure to convert a string of clear chances proved costly, as Ben Stanley’s midfield lapse allowed Ulinzi’s forward to pounce and level through Harambee Stars winger Bonface Muchiri after a fine pass from Okello. Despite dominating possession, Gor Mahia were left ruing missed opportunities that denied them back-to-back wins.
After seven rounds, the league remains finely balanced. Homeboyz retain top spot but face mounting pressure from Leopards and Gor Mahia, while Sofapaka’s revival and Murang’a Seal’s resurgence add fresh intrigue to the chasing pack.
