AFC Leopards defender Brian Ojok shields the ball from Bandari’s Alex Kipruto at Police Sacco Stadium.
Charles Momanyi struck late to give Kakamega Homeboyz victory, while Bandari held AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia beat Murang’a Seal.
Mombasa United began their SportPesa Premier League campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Kakamega Homeboyz at KPA Sports Club. Charles Momanyi scored in the 86th minute, denying the newcomers a point in their top-flight opener.
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards drew 0-0 with Bandari at Police Sacco Stadium, dropping points in their title campaign. Defending champions Gor Mahia had beaten Murang’a Seal 4-2 on Tuesday night to lead the early standings.
Late setback for Mombasa United
The Sultans entered the league after a two-month legal battle over promotion and relegation. Football Kenya Federation confirmed their promotion last week, ending a prolonged dispute over the rules governing entry into the top flight.
That decision followed the abandonment of their promotion playoff second leg against Kariobangi Sharks amid chaos. However, their first league assignment ended in disappointment rather than a winning start.
United looked likely to collect a point before Momanyi broke the deadlock with four minutes of normal time remaining. His late goal instead gave Homeboyz all three points and left the newcomers facing an immediate setback.
Bandari frustrate AFC Leopards
At Police Sacco Stadium, Leopards hoped to strengthen their title challenge but could not break through Bandari’s defence. The visitors held firm throughout the goalless contest to earn a share of the points.
As a result, Ingwe missed the chance to collect a victory and build momentum in their campaign. Bandari, meanwhile, came away with a clean sheet against one of the league’s traditional giants.
Gor Mahia survive late Seal response
Gor Mahia’s victory at Nyayo Stadium featured six goals, with the champions establishing a four-goal advantage before conceding twice. Alpha Onyango opened the scoring with a free-kick in the fifth minute.
Shariff Musa then added the second four minutes after the restart. Jackson Dwang extended the lead with a shot from more than 40 yards, before Musa headed in his second goal.
However, Murang’a Seal responded through Josphat Lopaga, who scored in the 75th and 80th minutes. Gor protected their remaining advantage to secure three points and move top of the early table.
The champions are pursuing a second consecutive league title and a record-extending 23rd crown. Coach Charles Akonnor welcomed the result after what he described as a difficult period following their Cecafa campaign.
Akonnor said Gor’s stature brings an expectation of victory, making the result important despite the two goals conceded. He also praised Seal’s possession play and said their three-defender formation had surprised his team in the first half.
Gor needed time to adjust, he explained. Ultimately, Akonnor credited his players’ experience and improved positioning for helping them create the goals that secured victory.
