SportPesa League: Gor Mahia Edge KCB as Shabana Stay Top in Thrilling Weekend Action

The 2025/26 SportPesa League continued with intensity and drama across the country, delivering a packed round of fixtures that left fans entertained and coaches reflective as the league heads into the FIFA international break. From comeback draws to breakthrough wins and decisive managerial impacts, the weekend offered something for everyone.

Friday’s action in Dandora set the tone as Kakamega Homeboyz edged Sofapaka 1–0 courtesy of a third-minute strike from J. Lopaga. Later that evening, AFC Leopards and Posta Rangers played out a thrilling 2–2 draw. Leopards twice took the lead through Kelly Madada and Samwel Ssenyonjo, but Rangers showed resilience to fight back with goals from Jackson Dwang’ and Bernard Odhiambo.

Afc Leopards’ Kelly Madada (center) celebrates his goal with teammates.

On Saturday, Bandari FC showed signs of revival under new interim head coach John Baraza, who took over following a slow start to the season. The Dockers came from behind to dismantle Murang’a SEAL 3–1. Despite conceding early to Joe Waithira, Bandari responded with goals from Geoffrey Ojung’a, Amza Ngamchiya, and Joseph Otieno, making Baraza’s debut on the touchline one to remember.

Sunday delivered a full slate of fixtures, headlined by Gor Mahia’s hard-fought 1–0 win over KCB FC at Dandora Stadium. Ghanaian winger Ebenezer Adukwaw was once again central to the victory, setting up Felix Oluoch’s 61st-minute winner after a clever solo run. Oluoch, still working his way into match sharpness, showed composure to convert the chance, while Adukwaw continued to impress with his work rate and decision-making. Gor were later awarded a penalty after Austin Odhiambo was brought down by KCB keeper Elvis Ochieng, but the captain saw his effort saved,his second miss from the spot this season. Coach Charles Akonnor, however, praised his skipper’s leadership and Adukwaw’s selflessness, saying the team would focus on sharpening their finishing in the coming weeks.

Over at Ulinzi Complex, visiting Mara Sugar pulled off one of the standout results of the weekend with a 2–1 victory over Ulinzi Stars. David Omondi was the hero for the sugar men, scoring in the 5th and 72nd minutes to seal the win. Sambi Ibrahim had equalized for Ulinzi in the first half, but the hosts couldn’t hold on. The match saw tempers flare late on, with Mara assistant coach Francis Xavier sent off in the 82nd minute.

At Kericho Green Stadium, Kenya Police FC earned their first victory of the season, narrowly edging newcomers APS Bomet 1–0 thanks to Clinton Kinanga’s 41st-minute goal. The match ended with tension as Marvin Nabwire received a red card in the 98th minute. For APS Bomet, it’s now three straight losses in their maiden top-flight campaign.

Action-packed moment at Kericho Green Stadium. A fierce battle that saw Police FC edge APS Bomet 1–0

Mathare United suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat at the hands of Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Annex. Sharks took the lead through a first-half own goal before Markvivan Kesa doubled the advantage in the second half. Mathare’s late fightback was capped by an Elli Asieche goal in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a point.

In the final fixture, Tusker FC and Shabana FC shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw at Kasarani. Shabana took the lead through Austin Odongo in the 16th minute, but were pegged back in the second half after substitute Ian Simiyu capitalised on a defensive mistake to equalise. There was concern for Shabana after winger Brian Michira limped off injured early in the match. Coach Peter Okidi expressed frustration at his side’s inability to see out the match after dominating the first half, while Tusker’s Charles Okere praised his players for fighting back and urged fans to stay patient.

Ian Simiyu celebrates after scoring the equalizer in a 1–1 draw against Shabana.

Shabana remain top of the table, with Posta Rangers and Gor Mahia just behind. With the league now on pause for the international break, teams will use the time to regroup, recover, and recalibrate ahead of the next stretch.

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