Match Preview: AFC Leopards eye third place as FKF Premier League action heats up

Kakamega Homeboyz in a clash with Muranga Seals (C) (Photo: Kakamega Homeboyz Facebook)

By Erick Kariuki
Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Beyond the crucial points at stake, this fixture carries extra significance for Leopards as they aim to surpass rivals Gor Mahia, adding even more anticipation to the upcoming Mashemeji Derby. However, history does not favour them, as Sofapaka has been a persistent opponent for years. Ingwe last defeated Batoto ba Mungu in December 2020.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League takes centre stage this Wednesday, with the AFC Leopards looking to climb the table as they host Sofapaka at Dandora Stadium. Fresh from a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mara Sugar, Ingwe are unbeaten in their last five matches and could leap to third place with a win.

Beyond the crucial points at stake, this fixture carries extra significance for Leopards as they aim to surpass rivals Gor Mahia, adding even more anticipation to the upcoming Mashemeji Derby. However, history does not favour them, as Sofapaka has been a persistent opponent for years. Ingwe last defeated Batoto ba Mungu in December 2020.

More To Read

Sofapaka, on the other hand, comes into this game with renewed confidence after snapping their four-game winless streak with a determined 2-0 win over KCB, despite playing with 10 men. They will be looking to extend their dominance over AFC Leopards in this fixture.

Homeboyz Look to Extend Unbeaten Run; Meanwhile, over at the Mumias Sports Complex, Kakamega Homeboyz take on Murang'a Seal. Homeboyz are riding an 11-match unbeaten streak and will be eager to extend it to 12 against a struggling Seal side.

In their previous match against Nairobi City Stars, Homeboyz easily defeated them 5-0, scoring goals with ease. Given Seal's current form, which includes three consecutive losses and a winless streak dating back to before Christmas, the hosts will be optimistic about achieving another positive outcome today.

Posta Rangers Face Struggling Mara Sugar; The day's action kicks off with Posta Rangers hosting Mara Sugar at Kenyatta Stadium. Both sides have been struggling, with Rangers losing five of their last 10 matches, including a 2-2 draw in their previous outing against Kariobangi Sharks.

Mara Sugar, despite sitting slightly higher in the table, has found it difficult to maintain form, suffering back-to-back defeats. Their most recent setback was a 2-1 loss to AFC Leopards. With both teams desperate for points, this clash could prove decisive in their fight to stay above the drop zone. Their last encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, so expect another tight battle.

Bandari and KCB battle for fifth place. In another important matchup, Bandari will be aiming to capitalise on KCB's recent slump when they meet this afternoon. Both teams suffered defeats in their last outings, with Bandari falling short and KCB losing 2-0 to Sofapaka.

Currently tied on points but separated by goal difference, Bandari (6th) and KCB (5th) understand that a victory here could significantly impact their pursuit of a top-four finish.

Ulinzi Stars Brace for Sharks' Challenge; Elsewhere, Ulinzi Stars welcome Kariobangi Sharks, a team that has built a habit of grinding out draws, with each of their last four games ending in stalemates. Ulinzi, however, comes into the match with confidence after a 2-1 win over Murang'a Seal and will be looking to secure back-to-back victories.

Sharks, on the other hand, will aim to break their winless run and cause an upset against the disciplined Ulinzi defense. With their tendency to settle for a point, the visitors will need a sharper attacking edge if they hope to claim all three today.

With plenty of battles unfolding across the league, today's fixtures promise an afternoon of intense action as teams fight for crucial positions in the unpredictable FKF Premier League season.