Six lessons learned from FKFPL matchweek 17

The first leg of the Mashemeji Derby might be long gone, but Kenya's biggest football clubs continue to prove that they are the strong pillars on which the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) stands.

Whenever Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards face off, there is always immense interest in the match -and Kenyan top tier at large- with sports enthusiasts eagerly following the build up, the match itself and post-match events.

The two sides have been the talk of town in recent weeks, thanks to their good run in the competition, which has been serving interesting twists and turns in each round.

Their spirited dash for the league crown has seemingly reignited interest in the entire competition, with stakeholders hoping that the sworn rivals will continue to electrify the season, which enters its second leg this weekend.

The two giants have been exchanging leads at the top of the table, with their fans always looking forward to the updated standings after every round to brag.

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The case was no different at the end of match week 17, where both sides won their respective matches, to not only stay firmly at the top, but also leave lovers of the game yearning for the start of the second round.

Mozzart Sport covered the two eternal rivals over the round and gathered hot topics around them and other interesting observations.

Leopards exhibit strong champions mentality

Leopards, once again, showed strong signs and mentality of champions, leaving it late to secure a remarkable 2-1 comeback win over APS Bomet, in a match played on Saturday 17 January at Nyayo National Stadium.

By the 95th minute, Leopards were trailing 1-0 against Bomet, who were on the verge of slaying another giant following their infamous 4-1 victory over Gor Mahia on 25 November, but three minutes later, Ingwe's win was confirmed.

APS had managed to contain Leopards and took the lead in the 84th minute through Phillip Wasai.

However, Leopards did not bow their heads after going down.

In fact, they doubled their resolve and search for a goal which eventually came in the 96th minute through Christopher Koloti.

Koloti’s celebration was cut shortly by his teammates, who urged him to get back for a quicker restart with one minute remaining to the end of the match.

True to their belief, Leopards scored a winner through Ronald Sichenje in the 98th minute.

Coach Fred Ambani noted in his post-match press conference that the team is ripe to clinch the title.

Akonnor stabilising Gor vessel

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor was a man under criticism over the last few weeks for the team's underwhelming performance.

Even when the team was winning, their fans felt that the performances were not convincing and pleasing to the eye.

However, that was not the caae when the team met Mara Sugar on Sunday, 18 January.

With pressure over their heads following Leopards return to the top of the table, Gor Mahia convincingly edged out Mara 3-0 to reclaim top spot on goal difference.

Shabana financial issues overshadow rare home win

Shabana battled to a 1-0 victory over Sofapaka to secure what was their third home win of the season. 

However, the whole win was clouded over by the financial complains.

Alleged financial reports of the club’s utilisation of gate collections leaked online, causing backlash from the fans.

The fans raised concerns over expenditure in some items amidst salary and allowance arrears owed to the playing unit.

In the end, the players had to down their tools to force the management to pay their dues, before resuming training.

Bandari regain wings under Mwalala

Coastal side Bandari FC won their first away match of the season, securing a 2-1 victory over 12-time champions Tusker FC in a match played on Saturday, 17 January at St. Sebastian Park.

Bandari’s win was inspired by newly-appointed head coach Benard Mwalala, a man familiar with the Dockers having led them to the Mozzart Bet Cup title in 2018, before leaving a year later.

The club hopes the former Kenyan international will deliver their second major title this season.

Experience delivers for KCB

KCB FC ended their three-mach winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Posta Rangers in a match played on Tuesday, 20 January.

Francis Kahata scored the all-important goal in the 23rd minute to secure the three important points, in a match where other experienced players gave a good account of themselves.

Humphrey Mieno used his experience to shield the defense and push the team in tough moments in the game, while Francis Kahiro led the attack line on his return to the starting eleven after months on the sidelines with injury.

Is Yves Koutiama solution to goal-shy Police FC?

Defending champions Police FC have had a series of challenges on the pitch this season, with the major one being scoring goals.

The Law Enforcers are the lowest scoring team in the top eleven, scoring just 13 goals this season, 12 shy of league leaders Gor Mahia.

In contrast, the team has conceded 11 goals this season, same as title-chasing Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, a clear pointer that the forward line has been Police’s biggest let down.

However, the club might have their problems solved if Burkina Faso forward Koutiama’s performance is anything to go by.

The 27-year-old has scored twice in his last three games for Police, including an equaliser in the 83rd minute to help Police secure a 1-1 draw against Nairobi United in their Monday afternoon clash.