Mashemeji Derby first leg action at Nyayo Stadium
  • Tisini, the league’s data analysts, have unveiled the SportPesa League Team of the Week Round 12.
  • AFC Leopards’ 1–0 victory over Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby earned them two player selections, with Fred Ambani also named Coach of the Week.
  • Three KCB players and two Posta Rangers standouts also made the cut in this round.

The SportPesa League 2025/26 entered its Round 12 over the weekend with thrilling matches played from Friday’s standalone fixture to Monday’s double-header at Kasarani.

However, the ultimate spectacle arrived on Sunday with the most anticipated clash in the country, as Gor Mahia hosted their long-time arch-rivals, AFC Leopards, in the first leg of the Mashemeji Derby.

Staged at Nyayo Stadium, the encounter not only saw AFC Leopards walk away with bragging rights from a 1-0 victory, but the occasion was also packed to capacity with supporters from both the blue and white and the green and white factions. The hosts managed to generate at least 7 million Kenyan shillings from the event.

ALSO READ: Masaba strike stuns Gor Mahia as AFC Leopards claim Mashemeji Derby bragging rights in 98th edition

However, the defeat meant the record champions, Gor Mahia, were dethroned from the summit, leapfrogged by Kenya Police FC who now have 20 points.

Gor slipped to second with 19 points after Julius Masaba’s solo goal sealed their fate.

Interestingly, in the SportPesa League Team of the Week, drawn from league analytics, Tisini, AFC Leopards saw only two of their players make the cut, with Fred Ambani named the Manager of the Week.

ALSO READ: SEAL’s Kiplangat & Ulinzi’s Paul Okoth lead the way for SportPesa League Team of the Week Round 10

The roster is well-balanced, with three players from KCB dominating the list.

Posta Rangers’ 2-0 win over Nairobi United earned two inclusions, while Shabana, APS Bomet, and Kenya Police each have one player in the weekly squad.

Here, therefore, are the best 11 players delivered from Round 12 of the SportPesa League, as the competition continues to build momentum.

SportPesa League Team of the Week Round 12

Goalkeeper: Bixente Otieno – Posta Rangers (7.6)

Bixente made several crucial saves on Monday as his side hosted Nairobi United, helping them secure a 2-0 victory and all three points at the Kasrani Annex.

He thwarted the NaiBois attackers to preserve a clean sheet and secure back-to-back wins under new interim coach Collins Omondi.

He was named Man of the Match, making one penalty save and seven successful saves in open play.

Defender: Mark Okola – Shabana (7.7)

Okola scored the decisive goal for Shabana on Saturday, securing his side’s first home win at Gusii Stadium after three matches without a home victory.

It also marked their second league win this season. He was named Man of the Match for that performance.

Defender: Edward Masembe – APS Bomet (7.8)

The newcomers’ defense has sprung to life unexpectedly, and Masembe has been a cornerstone in that backline.

He helped the team secure consecutive SportPesa League wins after they edged out Bandari FC 1-0.

His solo goal was vital, lifting the team from the bottom of the table; they now sit 15th. He also earned Man of the Match honors for his key defensive contributions.

Defender: Ammaton Samunya – KCB (8.6)

The Bankers are on a five-match unbeaten streak, and their defense has been exceptional, conceding only two goals. Samunya’s defensive prowess was again on display over the weekend, contributing to another clean sheet in their 1-0 win over Sofapaka.

Right Back: Aboud Omar – Kenya Police FC (7.7)

Omar has been a pivotal figure for Kenya Police FC under new head coach Serb Dusan Stojanovic, significantly contributing to their improved performances.

He scored his second goal of the season with a superb solo free-kick, securing three points against Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday.

Left Back: Samuel Semo – AFC Leopards (7.6 )

Semo has featured sparingly this season for AFC Leopards, but on Sunday in the Mashemeji Derby, he was in the starting lineup and delivered impressively.

He helped keep their area secure, won second balls, maintained good passing accuracy, and made vital interceptions to aid his side in securing both the three points and a clean sheet.

ALSO READ: Trios from Gor Mahia, Mara Sugar & Sofapaka headline SportPesa League Round 8 Team of the Week

Central Midfielder: Jackson Dwang’ – Posta Rangers (7.6)

Clinical in attack, Dwang managed to score one of the goals for the Mailmen as they edged out Nairobi United on Monday.

Midfielder: Richard Omondi – KCB (7.6)

He scored the only goal for KCB as they secured a 1-0 win over Sofapaka, extending their unbeaten run.

Winger: Boniface Omondi – KCB (8.6)

Arguably one of the key players for Robert Matano’s side this season, Omondi provided the assist for the decisive goal against Sofapaka as they claimed the three points and maintained their strong form.

He also made four clearances, delivered perfect crosses into the box, and had well-targeted shots.

ALSO READ: SportPesa League Round 10 Talking Points: Mixed fortunes for Gor Mahia & Ingwe before the Mashemeji Derby as Ulinzi Stars find redemption

Winger: Julius Masaba – AFC Leopards (7.3)

Masaba has often been used as a substitute this season, but for the Mashemeji Derby, Ambani started him.

The former Kariobangi Sharks player delivered, scoring the solitary goal that handed Ingwe a crucial victory in that thrilling encounter. He was also named Man of the Match.

AFC Leopards stun Gor mahia in the 98th Mashemeji Derby

Forward: Dennis Cheruiyot – Mara Sugar (8.0)

He scored the match-winning goal that handed the Sugar Men a 1-0 victory over Mathare United, returning them to winning ways. He was named Man of the Match after several attempts on target.

Coach of the Week: Fred Ambani – AFC Leopards

His masterclass in tactics secured three points for AFC Leopards as they edged out rivals Gor Mahia 1-0 in the Mashemeji Derby. He executed his plan perfectly, notably outclassing Gor in the midfield battle.

By Magiri Brian

Brian Magiri is a passionate sports journalist and all-around sports enthusiast. He loves diving into the worlds of football, rugby, basketball, tennis, and Formula 1, bringing stories to life with energy and insight. For Brian, anything exciting happening in sports is worth exploring and sharing.

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