Gor Mahia reclaimed top spot in the SportPesa League in midweek and are keen to maintain that status as focus shifts to round 17 fixtures this weekend.
The record league winners are level with AFC Leopards on 30 points, however they have played a game less than their rivals. Below them, four other teams all have 24 points as the title race heats up.
Kakamega Homeboyz, Shabana, Police FC and Tusker FC occupy the spots below the top two. All four of these sides must avoid defeat if they are to keep up the pace and keep their chances of a title-winning season alive.
Champions Police are without a win in their last five games, losing ground on the competitive SL table. Only lowly clubs Bidco United and Sofapaka are currently on a similar poor run of performances.
Kariobangi Sharks remain rooted to the bottom of the table with 13 points, however a win will lift them out of the relegation zone for the first time this season. With two defeats in their last five games, Sharks continue to show they have what it takes to avoid the axe at the end of the season.
With loads of football action lined up in the SportPesa League this weekend, our team has a look at the top games and offer our predicted outcomes.
Shabana vs Sofapaka – Saturday, 4PM
Shabana frustrated Gor to a barren draw last time out but they have only managed one win in their last five games. An impressive 3-1 away win against KCB.
They face a 17th place Sofapaka side who are coming off consecutive draws against Sharks and Bidco. Batoto ba Mungu have only managed three wins from 16 matches this season, increasing the desperation in their side.
From the four SL matches played between these two sides, Shabana hold the advantage, winning three and losing just one game against Sofapaka.
Prediction – Shabana to win
Tusker vs Bandari – Saturday, 3PM
The 2022 champions need to bounce back from an embarrassing 4-0 loss against AFC Leopards SC. The result saw them drop into sixth place with 24 points.
Meanwhile, Bandari have began life under Bernard Mwalala on the right foot, unbeaten in their last four games. The dockers are coming from back-to-back wins against Mathare United and Homeboyz.
Tusker will be confident of avoiding defeat, especially after winning four of the last five matches they have played against Bandari in recent seasons. However, the last match between these two sides resulted in a barren draw.
Prediction – Tusker to win or draw
AFC Leopards vs APS Bomet – Saturday, 4PM
Following the 4-0 triumph against Tusker, Leopards are brimming with confidence as they prepare to host newcomers APS Bomet. The win was their fourth in five games, keeping them level on points with league leaders Gor.
Leopards consistency throughout the season has strengthened their quest for a first league title since 1998.
Bomet on the other hand were held to a 1-1 draw by Mara Sugar in their last outing, meaning they only have one win to their name in the last five league matches. They are currently in 16th place with 14 points.
This will be the first competitive match between these two sides and the hosts are favorites to come out on top here.
Prediction – AFC Leopards to win
Murang’a Seal vs Bidco United – Sunday, 3PM
Despite the recent narrow defeat to Gor, Murang’a have been on a steady rise and are currently in ninth place with 21 points. Six more than 15th place Bidco.
Bidco have not won a SportPesa League match since they beat Ulinzi Stars 2-1 in October last year. Their recent run of games has seen them lose three of their last five ahead of this encounter.
Murang’a have scored nine goals in their last five matches, while Bidco have only managed one in a similar run. The visitors have also never managed to beat Murang’a in four matches since they were promoted to the topflight.
Prediction – Muranga Seal to win
Gor Mahia vs Mara Sugar – Sunday, 4PM
Since a 1-0 defeat in the Mashemeji Derby, Gor have gone on a five-match unbeaten run. Most recently coming back from two goals down to down Murang’a 3-2 on Wednesday.
They host a 12th place Mara Sugar side who are without a win in their last four games, leaving them with 20 points. They are also one of the lowest-scoring sides in the SL, with 13 goals in their opening 16 matches.
Gor won both matches against their opponents last season, beating them 2-0 away from home and registering an impressive 4-0 victory in the return fixture.
Having only conceding 11 goals this season, Gor are tipped to bag yet another win and a clean sheet is also on the cards.
Prediction – Gor Mahia to win