Kariobangi Sharks will host record SportPesa League champions Gor Mahia at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in a rescheduled league fixture set to kick off at 4:00 PM (EAT).
The encounter marks the first competitive outing of the new year for both sides following a two-week Christmas break, and it arrives with high stakes at both ends of the table.
For Kariobangi Sharks, the season has so far been a difficult one. The William Muluya-coached side finds itself rooted to the bottom of the standings with just 12 points from 14 matches.
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Gor Mahia seek return to the summit
Sharks have managed only two wins all season, drawn six times, and suffered six defeats one of their poorest starts since earning promotion to the top flight.
Their struggles have been compounded by a lack of goals, having scored just eight while conceding 14, leaving them in desperate need of a turnaround.
Tuesday’s fixture therefore represents more than just another match for Sharks. It is a chance to reset their campaign and begin the long climb out of the relegation zone.
However, the task ahead is daunting, especially given their recent record against Gor Mahia.
Gor Mahia come into the contest with momentum and clear ambition. K’Ogalo currently sit fourth on the table with 23 points, just one behind league leaders Kakamega Homeboyz, and crucially, they have three games in hand.
A win at Kasarani would see the record champions reclaim top spot and underline their intent in the title race.
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The numbers favour Gor Mahia. They have won seven matches this season, drawn two, and lost three, scoring 15 goals while conceding only eight , one of the strongest defensive records in the league this season.
History also leans heavily in their favour. The two sides have met 17 times in league action, with Gor Mahia winning 12, drawing three, and losing just twice.
Even more telling is their recent dominance, having won the last five league meetings while scoring nine goals and conceding only two.
Team news, however, offers a mixed picture. Kariobangi Sharks will be without key attacker Ally Salum due to injury, while midfielder Patillah Omoto has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Skipper Kevin Otiala remains a doubt, although he could still feature if deemed fit.
Gor Mahia, meanwhile, will begin the year without influential midfielder Austine Odhiambo, who recently completed a move to Lebanese side Nejmeh SC.
His departure leaves a creative gap in midfield, but it also opens the door for others to step up and prove their worth as K’Ogalo push for silverware.
With the league table finely balanced, Tuesday’s clash carries significant weight.
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Gor Mahia will be eager to start 2026 on a winning note and reassert themselves as genuine title contenders, while Kariobangi Sharks will be fighting to break free from the shackles of the relegation zone in what promises to be a tense and compelling afternoon at Kasarani.