AFC Leopards' Shocked, Gor Mahia Dominate: 5 Takeaways From FKF Premier League Gameweek 7 Action

As the FKF Premier League heads into the international break, Gameweek 7 has left fans with plenty to ponder. Gor Mahia’s ascendancy, AFC Leopards’ vulnerability, Shabana’s revival, and APS Bomet’s quiet rise all hint at a season that could be more unpredictable than expected. 

With the title race heating up and underdogs finding their voice, the next few weeks promise even more drama, redemption, and rivalry. Stay tuned—Kenyan football is writing a thrilling chapter.

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AFC Leopards played Mara Sugar knowing that a win would maintain their unbeaten run of form, which they had extended to 14 games stretching back to the back end of last season;

They faced the Millers at the dilapidated Awendo Green Stadium, which naturally negatively impacted their game plan as a team that largely wants to play out from the back and dominate possession.

Despite this, they still created a flurry of chances with Kelly Madada and Elias Miugane in particular, constantly creating inroads in the opponent’s initial third, but their final ball executions were not effective enough.

So for them to concede late on in the dying minutes was hard to take, with Dennis Cheruiyot scoring two goals to leave Leopards a very bitter taste.

The first was from a freekick well delivered by James Owili, and the second was from a quick turnover of possession, before hitting them on the break, with Leopards having subbed on a lot of attackers to try and restore parity.

Their impressive run came to an abrupt end, but if they are to challenge for a first league crown since 1998, they must learn to be ruthless with the chances they create.

Gor Mahia took on Kenya Police at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, and dominated from start to finish, making the Law Enforcers, who are the reigning league champions, look like a second rate team.

Charles Akonnor set his team up in a 3-5-2 formation, with the frontmen, Felix Oluoch and Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw in particular, a pain in the neck for their side.

Adu-Kwaw assisted the first after initially forcing a turnover of possession from a lose pass by Tobias Otieno before combining well with Austin Odhiambo and then setting up Oluoch for the opener.

For the second goal, Sylvester Owino delivered an exquisite ball from deep into the path of Shariff Musa, who made no mistake, expertly lobbing it over Job Ochieng in nonchalant version to find the winner.

Police hardly made any attempts at goal, with their only realistic chance a 65th minute shot over the bar by Erick Zakayo, and will feel vindicated to have won the battle to prove who the real ‘Silkal’ is.

It feels like ages ago, but Shabana’s last win before Sunday came in the month of October. Their win over Ulinzi Stars will be relief for Peter Okidi, who was under severe pressure from angry fans.

Their winner from Mark Okolla was scored in typical Shabana version during their first season back in the topflight: from a corner kick situation.

They will also be boosted by the return to full fitness of Keith Imbali, and will be hoping influential duo of Brian Michira and defender George Onyango will be back from injury to galvanise them and get them challenging for the league title once again.

APS Bomet have struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, having won just one game this season, a 2-1 win over Kariobangi Sharks in October.

They held Mathare United to a 1-1 draw last Sunday, and it now means they have gone unbeaten in three of their last four games. Is it a sign of better things to come? 

The international break may also help them continue to gel and adapt better.

Is the title race starting to take shape? That is an interesting question to ask after seven league games played this season, with Gor Mahia now top of the league.

Most times, once Gor Mahia ascends to the top, it is very difficult for them to relinquish that lead, especially when they have a stable technical team, with Ghanaian boss Charles Akonnor now having found his groove, as his charges have won six of their seven league games.’

Kakamega Homeboyz are second on 14 points, with Nairobi United and AFC Leopards third and fourth respectively on 12 points, although the Naiboys do have a game in hand.