League leaders AFC Leopards face first major test of year as Homeboyz aim to go joint top
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 04.01.26. | 09:32
In the past ten encounters, both clubs have been evenly matched with three wins apiece and four draws, highlighting the unpredictability of this derby
The Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) returns on Sunday, 4 January, after a brief festive break, with the clash between AFC Leopards and Kakamega Homeboyz being the highlight of the day.
The two sides will lock horns at the Nyayo National Stadium from 4 pm.
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Leopards enter the encounter sitting atop the 18-team league table with 24 points, riding a six-match unbeaten run and eager to extend their fine form into 2026.
Coach Fred Ambani will be relying on the attacking prowess of Julius Masaba, Tyson Otieno, Victor Otieno, and James Kinyanjui to guide Ingwe to victory-and extend their lead to 27 points.
However, standing in their way is a determined Kakamega Homeboyz side, looking to begin the new year on a strong footing.
The Kakamega-based outfit last won a league match on 23 November when they edged Posta Rangers 2-0.
Sitting just three points behind Leopards, Homeboyz are desperate to avoid any slip-ups in their quest for a maiden FKF-PL title.
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Coach Patrick Odhiambo will rely on captain Moses Mudavadi, Eston Omengo, Henry Omollo, and former Leopards skipper Peter Thiong'o to neutralize AFC’s attack and secure maximum points.
This showdown marks the 24th meeting between the two sides since Homeboyz’s promotion to the top tier.
Leopards hold a narrow edge historically, with nine wins to Homeboyz’s eight, while the remaining matches ended in draws.
In the past ten encounters, both clubs have been evenly matched with three wins apiece and four draws, highlighting the unpredictability of this derby.
Notably, Homeboyz are unbeaten in the last three meetings, drawing twice and winning once, including a comeback 2-1 victory at Dandora Stadium last season.
Leopards will contend with injury concerns, missing centre forward Elias Mugane, the reigning National Super League 2024/25 top scorer, who underwent surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and partial lateral collateral ligament tear.
Defender Vincent Mahiga is sidelined with an ankle injury, while Frederick Alushula remains in rehabilitation.
With pride, bragging rights, and the league summit at stake, this derby promises to deliver a pulsating contest.
Earlier on Sunday, Shabana FC will host Nairobi United in another intriguing fixture at Gusii Stadium.
The Kisii-based outfit currently sits third on the table with 23 points, just one shy of Leopards, and will be eager to reclaim the summit with a home victory.
Known for their dominance at home, Shabana will aim to assert their authority and extend their early-season momentum.
Their opponents, Nairobi United, have endured a disappointing run to close out 2025, going winless in their last four matches.
Sitting 13th with 16 points, coach Nicholas Muyoti’s side will be desperate to start the year with a morale-boosting win, narrowing the gap to the league leaders to five points.
This encounter marks the first-ever meeting between Shabana and Nairobi United, adding an extra layer of intrigue as both sides vie for bragging rights and crucial points.
A win for Shabana could propel them to the summit should AFC Leopards slip, while a victory for Nairobi United could spark a remarkable turnaround in their campaign.
With two compelling fixtures set to kick off the new year, FKF-PL fans are in for a treat, as battles for supremacy and momentum promise a thrilling start to 2026.
