- AFC Leopards dominated the SportPesa League Team of the Week Round 23 with five players.
- They dismantled Shabana FC 5–1 over the weekend at Nyayo National Stadium.
- Gor Mahia, Kariobangi Sharks, Tusker FC, Bidco United, Murang’a SEAL, and Kakamega Homeboyz each had one player included.
Another SportPesa League Round 23 weekend, stretching from Friday to Wednesday, delivered fresh narratives not only in the title race but also in the increasingly intense relegation battle.
AFC Leopards dominated the headlines after dismantlng Shabana FC 5-1 on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium.
It was a commanding performance from Ingwe, who trimmed the gap with rivals Gor Mahia to just six points while stretching their lead over Shabana to three. Before the match, both sides were tied on 40 points, but Fred Ambani’s men made sure their hard work paid off.
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Gor, stretched their unbeaten streak to 12 matches and extended their lead at the top to 49 points after edging out Mathare United 2-1 on Saturday at Nyayo Stadium.
At the other end of the table, things are going from bad to worse for three teams stuck in the drop zone. With the relegation playoffs scrapped this season, Ulinzi Stars, APS Bomet, and Sofapaka are all fighting for survival.
Ulinzi fell 1-0 to Bidco United on Monday at Wang’uru Stadium, while APS Bomet new boys this term, sit 17th with 19 points after a 2-1 loss to Kakamega Homeboyz on the same day.
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Sofapaka, enduring a nightmare campaign, remain rooted at the bottom with just 14 points after another defeat.
Meanwhile, Tisini, the data analysis hub for the league, released their SportPesa League Team of the Week for Round 23.
AFC Leopards lead the way with five players, followed by Gor Mahia, Kariobangi Sharks, Tusker, Bidco United, Murang’a SEAL, and Kakamega Homeboyz with one each.
SportPesa League Team of the Week Round 23
Goalkeeper – Issa Emuria – Bidco United
Emuria stood tall between the sticks as his side escaped with maximum points in a narrow 1-0 win over Ulinzi Stars.
He pulled off three crucial saves one in the first half, two in the second denying the Soldiers on multiple occasions. His heroics helped Bidco end a 17-match winless run in the league.
Defender – Dennis Munyovi – Murang’a SEAL
Munyovi has been a rock at the back for Murang’a SEAL this season under head coach Osborne Monday.
On Sunday, he helped his side grind out a 1-0 win over Posta Rangers at the SportPesa Arena.
The right-back registered at least two shot attempts and stayed solid defensively with timely clearances, interceptions, and progressive passes, earning him Man of the Match honors.
Defender – Kayci Odhiambo – AFC Leopards
If there is one player who has consistently delivered at the Den this season, it’s Kayci Odhiambo.
On Sunday, he sealed the emphatic 5-1 win over Shabana with a thunderous strike from outside the box after a clever corner routine from Samuel Semo. It was his second goal of the season, following a similar screamer against Posta Rangers.
Defender – Samuel Semo – AFC Leopards
Like Odhiambo, Semo has been a pillar in Fred Ambani’s backline this term.
Against Shabana, he not only provided the assist for Odhiambo’s stunner but also opened the scoring with a well-taken finish from James Kinyanjui’s exquisite clipped cross.
His all-round display earned him Man of the Match, and he now has two goals this season.
Defender – Collins Odhiambo – Tusker FC
The Brewers’ defender produced a rock-solid performance on Monday as his side edged Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 at Police Sacco Stadium.
He assisted Francis Odour’s opener from a corner and made over 10 interceptions as Sharks piled on the pressure, helping new coach Julien Mette secure his second straight win.
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Midfield – Enock Morrison – Gor Mahia
The Ghanaian has been outstanding this season as K’Ogalo push to reclaim the league title. In Saturday’s 2-1 win over Mathare United, Morrison netted his second goal of the campaign and delivered a commanding display in the middle, earning Man of the Match.
Midfield – Moses Mudavadi – Kakamega Homeboyz
Mudavadi has been in fine form for Patrick Odhiambo’s side, and in Monday’s 2-1 victory over APS Bomet, he was influential once again, walking away with the Man of the Match award.
Midfield – Tyson Otieno – AFC Leopards
One of Ingwe’s most creative outlets this season, Otieno pulled the strings in Sunday’s win.
He orchestrated the buildup to the opening goal delivering a pinpoint set-piece to Kinyanjui, who set up Semo and later got on the scoresheet himself with a composed finish from Ronald Sichenje’s cross just before halftime. It was his second goal of the season.
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Winger – Ronald Sichenje – AFC Leopards
Sichenje has been a consistent performer for Ingwe, and he shone again in the 5-1 thrashing of Shabana.
He was involved in several key attacking moves, assisting Tyson Otieno’s goal and later setting up Samuel Ssenyonjo’s strike.
Winger – Humphrey Aroko – Kariobangi Sharks
If there’s one player you can count on to deliver for Sharks, it’s Aroko.
On Monday, despite his side falling 2-1 to Tusker, he restored parity with a well-taken goal his 17th of the season.
Forward – Samuel Ssenyonjo – AFC Leopards
Ssenyonjo came off the bench on Sunday and made an instant impact, bagging a brace in the 5-1 win.
Just ten seconds after his introduction in the 67th minute, he pounced on a misplaced pass from Shabana’s keeper to score.
He later added a second from Sichenje’s assist to cap off a fine evening. The Ugandan international now leads AFC Leopards’ scoring charts with six goals.
Coach of the Week – Fred Ambani – AFC Leopards
Ambani masterminded a statement victory over the weekend, as his side ran riot against Shabana. The win keeps their title charge alive as they chase a first league crown in 28 years.
