The race for the 2025/26 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) crown has turned into a high-stakes game of “catch me if you can.” As Matchweek 18 kicks off this weekend, the traditional giants—Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards—find themselves deadlocked at the top of the table, both sitting on 33 points.
With only goal difference separating the two arch-rivals, this round offers no room for error. While they aren’t facing each other directly, they are facing “six-pointer” tests that could reshape the summit.
Defending champions Gor Mahia take on Thika-based Bidco United on Saturday at Kasarani Stadium. This is a grudge match for K’Ogalo; Bidco was one of the few teams to snatch a 1-0 win against them earlier this season.
Gor Mahia fans cheering their team in a KPL match recently. (Photo: Gor Mahia Media)
Fresh off a clinical 3-0 demolition of Mara Sugar last week—thanks to goals from Felix Oluoch, Shariff Musa, and Samuel Kapen—Gor Mahia looks unstoppable. However, Bidco is notoriously difficult to break down while playing at home, making this a massive test for the Charles Akonnor’s men.
On Sunday, AFC Leopards (Ingwe) will look to keep their championship momentum alive as they host Sofapaka at the Nyayo National Stadium. Ingwe showed incredible character last week, scoring two stoppage-time goals to beat APS Bomet 2-1.
AFC Leopards are set to take on Sofapaka over the weekend (Photo Credits: AFC Leopards Media)
The Leopards face a Sofapaka side currently languishing in the relegation zone (17th place). While on paper it looks like a mismatch, Sofapaka is fighting for survival, and coach Ezekiel Akwana has promised to “spoil the party” for the league leaders.
KPL Round 18 Fixtures: Sat, Jan 24, 2026.
Bidco United vs Gor Mahia | Kasarani Stadium | 3:00 PM
APS Bomet vs Shabana | Kericho Green Stadium | 3:00 PM
Mara Sugar vs Kenya Police FC | Awendo Green Stadium | 3:00 PM
Bandari vs K-Sharks | Mbaraki Sports Club | 3:00 PM
Posta Rangers vs Mathare United | Kasarani Annex | 3:00 PM
Sun, Jan 25, 2026
KCB vs. Tusker FC | Police Sacco Stadium | 3:00 PM
Sofapaka vs AFC Leopards | Nyayo Stadium | 4:00 PM
Ulinzi Stars vs Murang’a Seal | Ulinzi Complex | 3:00 PM
KPL Table Standings, Top 5:
1. Gor Mahia: 33 Pts (GD +14)
2. AFC Leopards: 33 Pts (GD +11)
3. Shabana FC: 27 Pts
4. Kakamega Homeboyz: 27 Pts
5.Kenya Police FC: 25 Pts
Golden Boot Watch
The race for the top scorer’s award is just as electric. Paul Odhiambo Okoth of Ulinzi Stars remains the man to beat with 9 goals, but Gor Mahia’s Felix Oluoch is quickly rising up the charts with 5 goals and a red-hot run of form heading into the Bidco fixture.
