Football

Somalia may be bottom of Group C, but they’re not out of hope. As they prepare to face defending champions Senegal, the tone in camp is one of belief, pride, and a burning desire to make history with a first-ever AFCON point.

Late goals, title pressure, and statement wins - Matchweek 26 of the FKF Premier League delivered it all. While Kenya Police and Tusker stumbled, Shabana FC lit up Gusii Stadium with a 3-1 victory over Bandari, adding fresh spice to the league run-in.

“We’re not just going to participate - we’re going to win every game,” says Kenya U20 goalkeeper Wycliffe Oduor, as the Rising Stars intensify preparations for their first-ever AFCON U20 campaign.

The Football Kenya Federation Premier League delivered another thrilling weekend of action, with teams battling for crucial points in matchweek 26. Ulinzi Stars were edged by Sofapaka, Mathare United triumphed in a five-goal thriller against Posta Rangers, and Kakamega Homeboyz stunned AFC Leopards in a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Here's a recap of the weekend’s exciting encounters.

Rising Stars will be making their debut in the tournament, having been drawn in Group C alongside reigning champions Senegal, 2017 winners Zambia, and fellow debutants Sierra Leone.

Harambee Stars have dropped three places in the latest FIFA Rankings, now sitting 111th globally. Meanwhile, Harambee Starlets made a historic leap, climbing seven places to 142nd after their landmark win against Tunisia.

Kenyan referee Dickens Mimisa has been selected among 14 African officials for the 2025 AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt. The 33-year-old, who recently officiated the Mashemeji Derby, continues to rise in the ranks of African refereeing.

Gor Mahia Election Board has confirmed the date for the club’s elections on April 13, 2025, at the Nyayo National Stadium Basketball Gymnasium. The board has also announced that four key positions—Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary General, and Honorary Treasurer are now vacant, with applications open to eligible members.

The highly-rated right-back has finally achieved his dream of turning professional and joining a European club after several failed attempts

Njogu stepped down as head coach after the team suffered a 3-0 defeat to Shabana FC, marking the latest change in leadership at the club.

This marks the first meeting between the two sides in the competition, with both teams aiming for a strong start in what promises to be a competitive group.

The top three winners will be required to transfer all intellectual property rights to FKF upon signing a declaration form.

Major League Soccer has now decided to take full control of matchday security and Cheuko will only be permitted in the locker room and mixed zones.

AFC Leopards captain Lewis Bandi and Gor Mahia skipper Geoffrey Ochieng' have praised fans for filling Nyayo National Stadium during the 96th Mashemeji Derby. The match ended in a goalless draw, but both captains credited the packed stands for inspiring their teams’ performances. Coaches Fred Ambani and Sinisa Mihic also shared their thoughts on the intense encounter.

The Kariakoo Derby and the Mashemeji Derby are among East Africa’s most storied football rivalries, each carrying decades of history, passion, and fierce competition. However, while Simba SC and Yanga SC have leveraged financial stability and national appeal to grow their dominance in Tanzanian football, AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia continue to grapple with structural and financial challenges. This article explores how these two rivalries compare in history, fan culture, and commercial success.

AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia played out a tense goalless draw in the 96th league edition of the Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Stadium. Despite both teams creating chances, neither side could break the deadlock in a match that saw moments of attacking intent, defensive resilience, and rising tempers.

Gor Mahia are currently third in the league with 42 points, trailing Kenya Police (45 points) and leaders (45 points). AFC Leopards sit fifth with 36 points.

The FKF Premier League resumed with intense battles across the league as teams fought for crucial points. Tusker climbed to the summit after a hard-fought win over Bidco United, while Bandari ended their winless run with a vital victory against Ulinzi Stars. Nairobi City Stars, meanwhile, earned a draw against Kariobangi Sharks, keeping their survival hopes alive.

Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic has shared his intention to settle in Kenya after his contract ends, citing the country’s peaceful environment and vibrant culture. During a lively press conference at Nyayo National Stadium, Mihic also made a surprising admission about his lack of familiarity with fellow Croatian coach Zdravko Logarusic, sparking discussion among journalists.

Kenya U20 head coach Salim Babu has named a 35-man provisional squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to begin on April 27, 2025, in Egypt. The Rising Stars, drawn in Group C, will face defending champions Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone as they aim to make an impact on the continental stage.

AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia coaches and captains have urged fans to maintain peace ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo National Stadium. With tensions high and title stakes in play, both teams are preparing for a fierce battle while calling for calm among supporters.

Matasi was provisionally suspended for 90 days on Thursday after videos emerged online, raising concerns over possible match-fixing.

Wanyama, 33, signed with Dunfermline Athletic on Wednesday, marking his return to Scotland, where he previously played for Celtic under Lennon's management.

Egypt will host the 2025 U20 AFCON after Ivory Coast withdrew as hosts, CAF confirmed on Tuesday. The tournament, set to run from April 27 to May 18, will feature 12 teams, including debutants Kenya.

Kenya’s rugby sevens teams, Shujaa and Lionesses, face defining moments in their respective campaigns as they gear up for crucial tournaments in their quest for survival and promotion. Shujaa battles to retain their HSBC SVNS Series status with back-to-back Hong Kong and Singapore Sevens, while the Lionesses aim to maintain their top-four position in the World Rugby Seven Challenger Series as they head to Krakow.

Patrick Matasi has been provisionally suspended for 90 days as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) investigates allegations of match manipulation.

A video, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media, appears to show Matasi listening and nodding in agreement as an unidentified individual, believed to be a recruiter, gives instructions on the next moves.

Kenya’s U20 national football team, the Rising Stars, are pushing ahead with their preparations for the 2025 AFCON U20 tournament despite fresh uncertainty over the competition’s venue. The tournament was set to be held in Ivory Coast, but the West African nation has withdrawn as hosts, leaving CAF scrambling to find a replacement. Despite this setback, head coach Salim Babu remains confident in his team’s readiness as they prepare for their historic debut.

AFC Leopards will be out for revenge when they face arch-rivals Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby this Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium. With just one win in their last nine league meetings, Ingwe are eager to turn the tide against K’Ogalo in the 96th edition of Kenya’s biggest football rivalry.

The California Desert Turf Grounds feature nine seating stands, each named in honour of a legend or founding member who has played a pivotal role in the local football and entertainment scene.

He clarified that renovations have reduced Nyayo Stadium's official capacity to 22,000. While the regular sitting area can accommodate 18,000 fans and the VIP section 1,400, ticket sales had to be restricted to comply with Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations.

The pair, once among the most powerful figures in global football, were cleared of fraud at the Extraordinary Appeals Chamber of the Swiss Criminal Court in the town of Muttenz, near Basel.

His arrival has brought a fresh perspective to the national team, highlighted by the introduction of new players, particularly Mohammed Bajaber and Wilson Lenkupae, whom McCarthy brought on as substitutes against The Gambia. They rewarded him with history by scoring on their national team debuts.

Gabon edged Kenya 2-1 in a crucial international qualifier, but the result told only part of the story. While Gabon coach Mouyoma Thierry admitted his side was fortunate to win, Kenya’s Benni McCarthy remained upbeat, promising to build a team Kenyans can be proud of.

Notable inclusions in the lineup are Johnstone Omurwa, William Lekumpae, Timothy Ouma, Mohammed Bajaber, and left-back Erick Ouma, who returns to strengthen the defence.

Gabon started the game aggressively, putting Kenya under pressure early on. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's goal in the 16th minute validated their efforts.

The excitement around the fixture has been palpable, with the Football Kenya Federation announcing that tickets for the match are sold out,

Elfyn Evans took a commanding lead in the 2025 Safari Rally after a dominant performance in Saturday’s stages in Naivasha. The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver capitalised on tricky conditions to build a comfortable gap over teammate Kalle Rovanperä, who struggled with punctures. With just five stages remaining on Sunday, Evans is closing in on his first-ever Safari Rally victory, but the unpredictable terrain means the battle is far from over.

Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma has warned his side to expect a tough battle against Kenya in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium. With Gabon aiming to strengthen their position in Group F and Kenya seeking to revive their campaign, Mouyouma insists his team is prepared for the challenge, unfazed by the home crowd. Meanwhile, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to return, eyeing a historic World Cup qualification for his country.

We urge fans who have not bought tickets to watch matches on television. KBC will broadcast the match for free

Harambee Stars are set to return to competitive home action for the first time since 2021 as they take on Gabon in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday. With captain Michael Olunga emphasising the team’s unity and attacking mindset, and FKF assuring fans of a well-organised matchday experience, anticipation is high for a thrilling encounter.

Harambee Stars came from behind twice to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Abidjan. Coach Benni McCarthy hailed his team’s resilience, as substitutes Mohamed Bajaber and William Wilson scored crucial goals to snatch a dramatic point.

Harambee Stars staged a dramatic comeback to force a 3-3 draw against Gambia in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday night in Abidjan. A stoppage-time goal from debutant William Wilson salvaged a point for Kenya in a match that saw both teams trade blows in a frenetic second half.

Harambee Stars return to action on Thursday night under new head coach Benni McCarthy, who is set to take charge of his first match at the helm. With limited preparation time, Kenya faces Gambia at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, aiming to reignite their World Cup qualifying hopes.

This follows a ruling by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) regarding their abandoned match against Mara Sugar.

Parking at the stadium will cost Sh300 and only those who will have bought their tickets in advance will be allowed to park inside the stadium.

Gor Mahia Football Club has officially scheduled its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for April 13, 2025, at the Basketball Arena, Nyayo National Stadium. A key highlight of the meeting will be the long-overdue club elections, which have been delayed for months, sparking leadership disputes. With the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) having ruled that the Executive Committee’s mandate expired in August 2024, all eyes are now on whether the club will finally transition to new leadership.

Captain Michael Olunga expressed optimism while emphasising the need for caution, noting that this is their first assignment of the year.

Football fans can now grab their tickets for Kenya’s crucial World Cup Qualifier against Gabon, set for March 23 at Nyayo Stadium. FKF has rolled out a digital ticketing system, with prices set at Ksh 1,000 for VIP and Ksh 300 for regular.

Kenya will be looking to strengthen their qualification bid with positive results in these two crucial fixtures.

Sofapaka CEO Ronald Okoth has unveiled the club’s long-term strategy, focusing on recruiting young, inexperienced players and handing them their Kenya Premier League (KPL) debut. This approach is aimed at nurturing raw talent into marketable stars while building a stable squad for the future.

Uganda Women U17 coach Sheryl Botes has praised her fellow South African, Benni McCarthy, for accepting the role of Harambee Stars head coach. Botes believes McCarthy's appointment is a step forward for South African coaches seeking opportunities beyond their borders.

Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche hailed her team's preparation and execution after a 3-0 victory over Uganda Women U17 secured a 5-0 aggregate win in the 2025 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifiers. Uganda coach Sheryl Botes conceded Kenya's superior quality as the Starlets advanced to face Cameroon in the final qualifying round.

Cameroon will be haunted by a history that backs the Junior Starlets to deliver another memorable chapter in the story of women's youth football in East Africa.

Having secured a comfortable 2-0 victory in the first leg in Kampala last weekend, the Kenyan girls only needed to avoid defeat at home to progress to the final qualification round.

Kenya's Junior Starlets are set to face Uganda in the second leg of the 2025 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Second Qualifying Round at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday. With a 2-0 lead from the first leg in Kampala, the Starlets are eyeing a spot in the final round against Cameroon.

Kariobangi Sharks outclassed Mathare United in the Slum Derby with a 3-1 victory, while Kenya Police continued their title push with a commanding win over Murang’a Seal. Here’s a roundup of all the weekend's KPL action.

The Harambee Stars camp is in high spirits after new head coach Benni McCarthy led his second training session at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. The team is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon later this month.

Nairobi City Stars' struggles in the FKF Premier League continued after they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Sofapaka at Dandora Stadium on Friday afternoon. A first-half strike from Jack Ong'anya and a late header from Bramwel Simiyu sealed City Stars' fate, leaving them rooted at the bottom of the table.

Sofapaka midfielder Edward Omondi has earned his first-ever call-up to the Harambee Stars' provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The 22-year-old attributes his selection to the support from his teammates and aims to learn from coach Benni McCarthy as he fights for a spot in the final squad

Kimanzi’s leadership and expertise will play a pivotal role in advancing our development agenda and shaping the future of Kenyan football.

The Junior Starlets are determined to wrap up their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Second Qualifying Round campaign in style as they face Uganda in the return leg at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday. With a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Kampala, key players Lorine Ilavonga and Joan Ogola remain confident that Kenya will complete the task and advance to the final qualification round.

Dr Patrice Motsepe will lead the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for another four years after being re-elected unopposed during the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo.

Ferdinand Omanyala kicks off his international season with a high-stakes sprint showdown against compatriot Mark Odhiambo at the ASA Grand Prix opener in Tshwane. With World Championships qualification on the line, Kenya’s top sprinters will battle South Africa’s finest in a thrilling contest on 12 March.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Gambia. The squad features a mix of experienced players and fresh talents, with William Lenkupae earning his first call-up. Kenya will kick off their campaign with an away fixture against Gambia before hosting Gabon at Nyayo Stadium.

Kenya’s largest stadium is taking shape at Jamhuri Park, Nairobi, with the Talanta Hela Stadium now 40% complete. The government aims to finish the 60,000-seater facility by the end of the year, marking the country's most significant sports infrastructure project in 45 years. Officials confirmed the progress during a cabinet meeting, with the stadium set to serve as a key venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Football fans can now secure their tickets for the crucial Junior Starlets' return leg clash against Uganda in the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. With anticipation building ahead of the East African derby, organisers have confirmed that ticket sales are officially open, with all purchases to be made online.

Kenya pulled off an impressive away victory over Uganda in an all-East African duel.

FKF CEO Harold Ndege hailed the team's impressive performance, assuring them of support throughout the tournament.

The competition aims at identifying Kenya’s top FIFA player, who will go on to represent the country in Paris at the League 1 McDonald's event.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has upheld an appeal by Eto’o against his exclusion from the CAF executive committee elections in Cairo next Wednesday.

The first round will run until March 9, after which 12 teams will advance to the second round, set to begin on March 11.

McCarthy, 47, was unveiled as Harambee Stars' new coach on Monday, becoming the third non-Kenyan African to hold the position after the Nigerian Christian Chukwu and the Algerian-Belgian Adel Amrouche.

In this new amendment, which is one of six changes that IFAB recently approved for the 2025/26 edition of the Laws of the Game, the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team, if a goalkeeper holds the ball for longer than eight seconds.

Despite its barren surface, which earned it the nickname "Desert", Desa Grounds has long been a nurturing ground for football talent in Nairobi.

Former AFC Leopards coach André Cassa Mbungo (Rwanda) has been appointed as the head coach of Rwanda's women's national teams, overseeing both the senior and youth sides.

He will debut later this month with an away match against The Gambia followed by a home clash with Gabon. Kenya trail leaders Ivory Coast by five points in World Cup qualifying Group F but have six matches to play.

Shabana FC delivered a statement performance at Gusii Stadium, dismantling Kakamega Homeboyz 4-1 to snap their visitors’ 12-game unbeaten streak in the FKF Premier League. New signing Oscar Juma came off the bench to score twice, while Elvis Ochieng and Brian Michira added to the tally in a dominant display. Despite a late consolation from Henry Omollo, Homeboyz had no answers to Shabana’s relentless attack.

At the start of the season, Kabras Sugar coach Carlos Katywa had touted the Oilers as the team to watch this year and the Nakuru-based team did not waste time to assert their championship credentials, racing to an 8-0 lead.

Their journey begins today (Saturday) with two crucial matches — Samoa at 12:38 pm EAT, followed by a clash against Poland at 7:30 pm EAT.

The struggling Nairobi City Stars have failed to secure a win in their last ten matches, a poor run that has sent them to the bottom of the table.

Speaking after the win against Kenya Police Bullets, Junior Starlets coach Mildred Cheche expressed confidence in her team ahead of the matches against Uganda.

Harambee Starlets won that match 1-0 to progress to the next phase of the qualifiers and, as a result, made history by becoming the first Kenyan team to win an away match against North African opposition. The first leg, which was played on Friday, 21 February, in Nairobi, ended 0-0.

Harambee Starlets made history on Wednesday, securing Kenya’s first-ever competitive away victory against North African opposition with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tunisia. Tereza Engesha’s early strike and Lilian Awuor’s heroic goalkeeping ensured Kenya advanced in the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers. Their triumph in Sousse rekindles memories of rare but memorable performances by Kenyan teams in North Africa, from Gor Mahia’s 1987 Mandela Cup heroics to Harambee Stars’ famous defensive stand against Algeria in 1996.

Uganda’s bid to reach the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations came to a painful end after Ethiopia overturned a first-leg deficit to win on penalties in Addis Ababa. The Crested Cranes had a 2-0 advantage from Kampala but saw it erased as Ethiopia forced a shootout, where they triumphed 5-4.

Benni McCarthy has arrived in Kenya ahead of his official unveiling as the new Harambee Stars head coach, putting an end to speculation about his appointment.

The highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia has been postponed, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed. The decision comes after the designated home team failed to secure a suitable venue, with Nyayo National Stadium and MISC Kasarani unavailable due to renovations.