FKF PL PREVIEW: Top spot beckons for Gor Mahia as Homeboyz, Seal seek redemption
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 18.01.26. | 08:35
Ingwe now lead the standings with 33 points, three more than arch-rivals Gor Mahia. Shabana complete the top three with 27 points
After a series of thrilling matches on Saturday, 17 January, the FKF Premier League Matchweek 16 continues today, Sunday, 18 January, with three fixtures that could have a significant impact on both the title race and the relegation battle.
Kenyan giants Gor Mahia will be in action against Mara Sugar, title contenders Kakamega Homeboyz will host Kariobangi Sharks, while Murang’a Seal face Bidco United.
Ahead of Sunday’s matches, AFC Leopards returned to the top of the league table following a dramatic late comeback that saw them defeat APS Bomet 2–1 at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.
Ingwe now lead the standings with 33 points, three more than arch-rivals Gor Mahia. Shabana complete the top three with 27 points after securing a 1–0 win over Sofapaka.
At the bottom of the table, Kariobangi Sharks sit last with 13 points, while Sofapaka and APS Bomet occupy the relegation zone with 14 points each.
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Gor Mahia vs Mara Sugar
Record 21-time league champions Gor Mahia will host Mara Sugar at Nyayo National Stadium from 4.00 pm in the standout fixture of the day.
Gor Mahia are second on the log, while Mara Sugar sit 13th with 20 points.
K’Ogalo will be aiming to reclaim top spot after being overtaken by AFC Leopards, while Mara Sugar will be seeking their fifth win of the season.
Gor Mahia come into the match on the back of a thrilling 3–2 comeback victory over Murang’a Seal, which marked their third win in five matches, with the other two ending in draws.
Mara Sugar, on the other hand, have won just one of their last five games and are currently on a four-match winless run, including a 1–1 draw against defending champions Kenya Police FC in their most recent outing.
Coach Charles Akonnor will take confidence from Gor Mahia’s dominance in recent meetings. The two sides faced each other twice last season, with Gor Mahia winning 2–0 in the first leg before thrashing Mara Sugar 4–0 in the return fixture.
With the title firmly in sight, K’Ogalo are expected to deploy their full attacking arsenal at Nyayo.
Kakamega Homeboyz vs Kariobangi Sharks
Mozzart Bet-sponsored Kakamega Homeboyz will face Kariobangi Sharks at Bukhungu Stadium from 3.00 pm.
While both teams will be chasing maximum points, their motivations differ sharply. Homeboyz are looking for a win to boost their title ambitions and keep pace with AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, while Sharks are desperate for points to escape the relegation zone.
Fourth-placed Homeboyz could have been leading the table were it not for a dip in form in recent matches.
The Kakamega-based side has managed just one win in their last six matches, drawing three and losing two, including a 2–1 defeat to Bandari in their previous league outing.
Coach Patrick Odhiambo will be keen to capitalise on home advantage against a Sharks side low on confidence, having won only two matches all season.
Sharks head coach William Muluya faces mounting pressure to turn results around as the club fights to avoid relegation after ten seasons in the top flight.
Murang’a Seal vs Bidco United
In the other fixture of the day, 11th-placed Murang’a Seal will take on 15th-placed Bidco United at St Sebastian Park from 3.00 pm.
Seal will be eager to bounce back after surrendering a 2–0 half-time lead to lose 3–2 to Gor Mahia in midweek, a defeat that ended their ten-match unbeaten run.
That run included three consecutive wins, their longest winning streak since gaining promotion to the top tier.
Coach Osborne Monday described the loss as a setback and will be keen to see his side respond positively in front of their home supporters.
Bidco United, meanwhile, are enduring a difficult spell and currently have the worst form in the league, having failed to register a win in their last 11 matches.
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