Sofapaka holds AFC Leopards to a goalless draw as Shumah shines in Homeboyz victory

Action from the AFC Leopards vs. Sofapaka match played at the Dandora Stadium on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. (Photo : courtsey)

By Michael Kirwa
Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Sofapaka extended their unbeaten run against AFC Leopards to nine league matches after holding the 12-time top-flight champions to a 0-0 draw in a 2024-25 FKF Premier League match that was played at the Dandora Stadium on Wednesday.

The reverse fixture, which Sofapaka hosted in December, had ended in a 1-1 draw, and today's stalemate added to the seven draws between the two clubs in seven of their previous eight encounters.

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The result once again highlighted AFC Leopards' struggle to maintain a winning streak, as they have now alternated between wins and draws in their last six matches, a run of results that has hindered their surge to the top of the standings as they lie fifth with 34 points, seven less than the table-topping Police, who have 41 points.

Sofapaka, on their part, will be satisfied with a result that pushes them to eighth with 29 points after avoiding defeat for the second consecutive match following a run of four matches during which they collected only one point.

AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani made three changes to the team that won 2-1 away to Mara Sugar on Saturday as Kaycie Odhiambo, Bonface Kweyu, and Julius Masaba were replaced by Kennedy Odhiambo, Kelly Okonji, and Victor Otieno, respectively.

On the other hand, Sofapaka's coach made only one change from the team that defeated KCB 2-0 on Saturday, with Wayne Otieno coming in for Charles Junior.

The match was tightly contested throughout, with both goalkeepers making saves that kept scores level until the end of the match.

In other matches played today:

Kakamega Homeboyz Moses Shumah scored a brace for the second consecutive match, bringing himself within three goals of catching up with Ryan Ogam of Tusker in the race for the Golden Boot. Shumah scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season as Abana Abeingo thrashed Murang'a Seal 3-1 at the Mumias Sports Complex to stretch their unbeaten run to 12 league matches. Oliver Majak scored Homeboyz' other goal as Murang'a Seal got their consolation goal through Lucas Maina. The result catapulted Homeboyz to 6th with 34 points as Murang'a remained 13th with 23 points.

Joshua Nyatini scored a goal as KCB defeated Bandari 1-0 in Murang'a, recovering from their weekend loss to Sofapaka. The win saw the Bankers leapfrog AFC Leopards into fourth place with 35 points as the Dockers dropped to 7th with 32 points after suffering two consecutive losses.

In the early kick-off match between Posta Rangers and Mara Sugar, which was played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, the Mailmen had victory snatched from them as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by the Transmara-based side. Faustine Ojiambo had given Posta Rangers the lead in the 32nd minute, but Christopher Raila restored parity for the away team 10 minutes as the second half ended goalless. The result, however, was enough to see Posta Rangers remain unbeaten for the third consecutive match after winning only twice in eight league matches before the recent resurgence. The Mailmen are now 14th with 22 points, while Mara Sugar lies 11th with 26 points.

In the late kick-off played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Kariobangi Sharks drew for the fifth consecutive league as they held Ulinzi Stars to a 0-0 draw. The result left the Soldiers 10th with 28 points, while Sharks remain 12th with 24 points.

League action will continue tomorrow with Mathare United hosting Kenya Police at 3pm at Dandora Stadium, while defending champions Gor Mahia travel to Machakos to play Bidco United in a 4pm kick-off.

After tomorrow's matches, league action will pause for a weekend, as the 2025 MozzartBet Cup takes centre stage this coming weekend.