The first leg of the Mashemeji Derby may be history, but the rivalry between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards continues to pulse at the heart of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League. Matchweek 17 delivered drama, late heroics and shifting momentum — a week that reminded fans why Kenyan football is impossible to ignore. Here are six takeaways that shaped the round and set the tone for the second half of the season.
1. The Mashemeji Derby Keeps the League Electrified
When Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards trade blows, the whole FKFPL feels the shockwaves. Their recent form has turned the title race into a gripping duel, with both clubs swapping the summit and forcing supporters to check the table after every round. Matchweek 17 only intensified that rivalry: each side won, each side left fans hungry for the second leg, and the league’s narrative grew richer for it.
2. Leopards Show Championship DNA
AFC Leopards’ late comeback against APS Bomet was the kind of finish that defines contenders. Trailing deep into stoppage time, Ingwe refused to fold. Christopher Koloti’s equaliser and Ronald Sichenje’s stoppage-time winner turned despair into ecstasy and underscored a resilient mentality. That never-say-die spirit is the hallmark of title-chasing teams and a clear message to rivals: Leopards are built to fight until the final whistle.
3. Akonnor Steadies the Gor Mahia Ship
Charles Akonnor’s Gor Mahia answered critics with a commanding 3-0 win over Mara Sugar. After weeks of scrutiny over style and substance, the team produced a performance that was both efficient and convincing, reclaiming top spot on goal difference. The result suggests Akonnor is finding the balance between results and the kind of football that satisfies a demanding fanbase.
4. Off-field Turmoil Can Eclipse On-field Joy
Shabana’s narrow home win over Sofapaka should have been a feel-good moment, but leaked financial reports and player protests stole the headlines. The episode highlighted a painful truth: victories mean little if club governance and player welfare are in question. For Shabana, the win was bittersweet — a reminder that stability off the pitch is as crucial as form on it.
5. Bandari Reignite Their Season Under Mwalala
Bandari’s first away triumph of the campaign — a 2-1 upset of Tusker — felt like a rebirth. Bernard Mwalala, back at the helm and already a familiar figure to the Dockers, appears to have rekindled belief and attacking intent. The coastal side’s revival under Mwalala injects fresh intrigue into the title conversation and gives supporters hope that bigger silverware could be within reach.
6. Experience and New Sparks Shift Midtable Dynamics
KCB’s narrow win over Posta Rangers proved the value of seasoned heads in tight contests. Veterans like Francis Kahata and Humphrey Mieno delivered calm and control when it mattered most. Meanwhile, Police FC’s recent struggles in front of goal have been eased slightly by Yves Koutiama’s late contributions. The Burkina Faso forward’s recent goals hint at a potential solution to Police’s scoring woes and show how a single signing can alter a team’s trajectory.
Matchweek 17 was a microcosm of the FKFPL’s best qualities: drama, resilience, managerial storylines and the ever-present tension between off-field realities and on-field ambitions. As the season turns into its second leg, the league feels more alive than ever — and every weekend now carries the promise of another unforgettable chapter.
