- AFC Leopards vs Kakamega Homeboyz is one of four fixtures set to usher in the SportPesa League football action in the new year of 2026.
- The match will be played on Sunday, January 4, at Nyayo National Stadium.
- Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 pm EAT.
After a two-week festive break, the SportPesa League 25/26 roars back into action on Sunday, January 4, with a mouth-watering clash as table leaders AFC Leopards look to kick-start the year in style and extend their advantage when they host Kakamega Homeboyz.
This clash is among four matches set to curtain-raise the new year of 2026, having originally been scheduled for last year before being postponed.
The showdown will take place at Nyayo National Stadium from 4 p.m. EAT.
ALSO READ: AFC Leopards beat Bidco United to climb joint top of the SportPesa League table
AFC Leopards vs Kakamega Homeboyz preview
These two sides enter the contest separated by only three points. Despite sitting in sixth place, Homeboyz are just three points adrift with 21 points, compared to Leopards’ 24, meaning this promises to be a battle for supremacy at the summit.
For Ingwe, the stakes are particularly high.
They will not only aim to widen their advantage at the top but also strive to preserve their unbeaten six-match streak this season, which includes three draws and three victories.
Moreover, Ingwe’s strong form traces back to last season.
Across a 21-match run stretching from the previous campaign, they have suffered just one defeat, recording 11 draws and nine wins.
This momentum favors them, and coach Fred Ambani’s charges will be determined to fight for everything, buoyed by back-to-back victories in December – a comeback against Ulinzi Stars and a 1–0 win over Bidco United, sealed by Samuel Semo’s goal.
ALSO READ: Fred Ambani headlines the SportPesa League Coach Of The Month nominees for December
As for Patrick Odhiambo’s side, they remain in the title race but will be eager to shake off their current slump, having now gone four matches without a win managing three draws and enduring one loss.
In their final outing, they hosted the reigning champions, Kenya Police FC, at Bukhungu Stadium, where they staged a remarkable second-half comeback from two goals down to force a stalemate.
Charles Ouma and Marvin Nabwire had given the Law Enforcers a two-goal lead in the first half, before Henry Juma and Potiphar Odhiambo, stepped up to rescue a point for Abana Beingo.
AFC Leopards vs Kakamega Homeboyz team news
In a major overhaul, Odhiambo has already made changes to his squad, releasing six players in what he describes as a mission to bolster his team with fresh legs as they push for the title.
“Firstly, we have to prepare very well for this, even if we are among the top teams. I am looking at bolstering the squad in the January transfer window, and there are a few departments I have marked to strengthen.
We want the team to be stronger everywhere and be in the right shape to go full gas come the new year with only one target: to finish top of the league,” Odhiambo told Citizen Digital.
The players reportedly informed they are no longer in Odhiambo’s plans include Edwin Mukolwe, Josephat Lopaga, Gospel Otieno, Enock Masinza, Gedeon Bendeka, and Eugene Ochieng.
For AFC Leopards, the season began with a major blow as promising young striker Elias Mugane was ruled out for the remainder of the 2024/25 season following a serious knee injury that required surgery.
According to the club, the striker suffered a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament complex, and a Grade 3 tear of the medial meniscus.
ALSO READ: Blow to AFC Leopards as promising striker is ruled out till end of season
Leopards also revealed that left-back Vincent Mahiga is currently sidelined after sustaining an ankle injury during their SportPesa League match against Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Stadium.
The defender awaits further medical assessment to determine the extent of the injury.
There was some positive news, however, as midfielder Fredrick Alushula has resumed training after a long layoff following knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
AFC Leopards vs Kakamega Homeboyz: head-to-head and betting tips
In the last five meetings between these sides in the SportPesa League, dating back to 2023, Homeboyz have won twice, Ingwe have won once, and two encounters ended in draws.
Last season, each side took three points from the other: Ingwe won the first leg 2–0 before Homeboyz retaliated with a 2–1 victory.
In four of those five recent matches, at least two goals were scored, with both sides finding the net.
Ingwe have not been particularly lethal in attack this season, having scored 14 goals and conceded nine.
However, their home form remains solid they are unbeaten in the six matches they have hosted, winning three and drawing three.
Homeboyz, meanwhile, have struggled on the road compared to their home performances. In five away matches, they have managed just two wins, one draw, and two defeats.