Leopards shock Gor Mahia in 98th Mashemeji Derby as KCB, APS Bomet claim narrow wins

A high-stakes FKF Premier League triple-header delivered drama, colour, noise and tight margins, headlined by AFC Leopards’ long-awaited triumph over Gor Mahia in the 98th Mashemeji Derby at a packed Nyayo National Stadium.

While the country’s biggest football rivalry took centre stage, KCB and APS Bomet also recorded crucial victories on a day dominated by one-goal scorelines across all fixtures.

AFC Leopards ended a two-year wait for derby glory, edging arch-rivals Gor Mahia 1–0 in a pulsating encounter witnessed by a capacity crowd.

Julius Masaba scored the decisive goal in the 25th minute, reacting quickly to tap in a rebound after Gor goalkeeper Bryne Omondi had parried a low drive from Tyson Otieno. The move was beautifully constructed, with debutant James Kinyanjui weaving past his marker, Bryton Onyona, before setting up Tyson, whose shot created the perfect chance for Masaba’s finish.

Hunger and organisation

Leopards showed hunger and organisation from the opening whistle, and could have taken the lead within two minutes when Victor Omune was put through by Kayci Odhiambo, only for the striker to miscontrol at the crucial moment.

Gor Mahia, unusually flat and predictable, struggled to impose themselves despite featuring star players. Austin Odhiambo, typically their creative heartbeat, was kept quiet by a relentless Leopards midfield marshalled by Musa Oundo and Kayci Odhiambo, before his late injury-enforced substitution.

The closest K’Ogalo came was a speculative Enock Morrison effort from distance in the 42nd minute that flew wide, highlighting their frustrations on a day when they lacked spark in the final third.

In a frenetic second half, Gor introduced Alpha Onyango, Patrick Essombe and Shariff Musa in search of control and late drama. But Leopards stood firm, with Humphrey Katasi barely tested as the blue-and-white wall repelled every hopeful delivery into the box.

Shariff Musa had a golden chance in stoppage time to equalise, only to fire over from close range, confirming Leopards’ emotional, long-overdue victory.

The win lifts AFC Leopards to sixth place on 17 points, while Gor Mahia drop to second on 19, missing the chance to reclaim the top spot.

Hard-fought 1–0 victory

KCB ended their worrying run of form with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Sofapaka in a tense encounter at Kasarani.

Richard Omondi scored the winner, calmly slotting home after a well-worked team move that sliced through Sofapaka’s backline. The goal came midway through the second half as the Bankers finally breached a resolute Batoto ba Mungu defence that had held out for long spells.

Both sides entered the match on 12 points, desperate for momentum after sliding dangerously close to the relegation zone. KCB, however, showed more initiative, dominating possession and creating clearer chances.

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• Bandari
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• Mashemeji Derby
• APS Bomet
• Leopards shock Gor Mahia in 98th Mashemeji Derby as KCB
• APS Bomet claim narrow wins

Sofapaka struggled to string passes together in the final third, relying largely on long-range efforts that rarely troubled the KCB goalkeeper. The defeat compounds their difficult season, leaving them rooted in the lower reaches of the table with mounting pressure to turn their form around before the festive fixture congestion.

Morale-boosting win

APS Bomet continued their steady resurgence with a morale-boosting 1–0 win over Bandari at the Kericho Green Stadium, sealing back-to-back positive results following an impressive week in Nairobi.

Edward Masembe scored the decisive goal, converting a clever attacking move as the hosts capitalised on home advantage and the confidence from their recent sponsorship boost.

Bandari, who have won only once in their last seven matches, again struggled with consistency and penetration in the final third. Despite enjoying periods of possession, the Dockers lacked the cutting edge to seriously trouble APS Bomet’s defence.

The win breathes new life into APS Bomet’s survival campaign, lifting spirits around the club after a difficult start to the season, while Bandari remain mired in mid-table limbo.