FKFPL: Gor Mahia kickstarts title defense with Mathare United clash as top-flight football returns to Gusii Stadium

The Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) enters its fourth round this weekend, featuring four exciting matches on Saturday across various venues in the country.After three rounds, KCB leads the table with seven points from three matches, tied with Kariobangi Sharks, who are in second place.AFC Leopards follow closely in third with six points. However, with none of these top three teams in action today, a new team could top the standings by the end of the day.Gor Mahia vs Mathare UnitedGor Mahia begins their hunt for a 22nd Premier League title with a challenging fixture against Mathare United, who returned to the top flight this season.Despite their recent stint in the National Super League, Mathare remains a tough opponent for Leonard Neiva Martin’s side.Gor, eager to rebound from their CAF Champions League elimination, aim to start their title defense with a win.Match Day: GMFC 🆚 MATHARE UNITED🕟 4pm🏆 Kenyan Premier League🏟 Machakos Stadium#SportpesaNaGor #Kogalo #Sirkal pic.twitter.com/A4Df8J5so4— Gor Mahia FC Ke (@gormahiafcke) September 28, 2024 Meanwhile, Mathare is still searching for their first victory of the season. With two points from three matches, Mathare sits in 13th place.Historically, matches between these two teams have been fiercely contested. Before Mathare’s relegation in the 2024/25 season, the “Slum Boys” won the first leg 2-1 but lost the second by the same scoreline.Gor captain Philemon Otieno anticipates a tough match against Mathare, who are now coached by the experienced John Kamau.”Mathare has always been a tricky opponent, and we have to be at our best to take all three points. While we’re well-prepared, we expect a tough battle,” Otieno stated.FKFPL Preview: Wounded Gor Mahia looking to march to record extending 22nd titleThe Green Army has no new injury concerns, aside from goalkeeper Kelvin Omondi, who suffered a shoulder injury in last weekend’s match against Ahly and was replaced by Gad Mathews. Rooney Onyango and Kevin Juma will also miss the game due to suspensions over disciplinary issues.On a positive note, former striker Samuel Onyango has rejoined the squad from Police FC after a stint with Zambian side Kabwe Warriors.The match, scheduled for 16:00, will be the second of a doubleheader at Machakos Stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_8374343##Sofapaka vs BandariRobert Matano’s Sofapaka will be looking for their first win of the season as they host Bandari in the first match of the Machakos doubleheader, kicking off at 13:00.Bandari currently holds fifth place in the standings with four points from two matches, while Sofapaka sits 16th with just one point from three games.Sofapaka remains winless, ranking above only Gor Mahia and Police, who are yet to play this season.In the last two seasons, Bandari has dominated this fixture, with Sofapaka’s last victory coming in June 2022.##NAJAVA_MECA_8374289##Bidco United vs TalantaThika-based Bidco United will host Talanta FC in another early kickoff.Last season, Bidco completed a double over Talanta, winning 3-1 in the first leg and 5-3 in the return match. Bidco will look to repeat that success this season.Talanta head coach Jackline Juma, fresh off a victory against Sofapaka, aims to secure her second consecutive win in the top flight. The match will take place at Utalii Grounds, starting at 13:00.##NAJAVA_MECA_8374284##Shabana vs Posta RangersAfter 18 years, top-flight football finally returns to Gusii Stadium, following the completion of renovation works.Earlier this week, it seemed that Shabana’s fans might have to wait longer to witness their team play at Gusii after the Football Kenya Federation Leagues and Competition Committee ordered the club to play five matches behind closed doors due to incidents at Ulinzi Sports Complex last weekend.However, on Friday, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) issued a stay order on the ban, allowing fans to attend the match.Exclusive: Shimanyula announces interest in FKF PresidencyShabana head coach Sammy “Pamzo” Omolo welcomed the return to Gusii, viewing it as a morale booster.”For a long time, we’ve been playing home matches in Homa Bay, which puts us at a disadvantage. Playing at Gusii Stadium again feels like a true homecoming,” said Pamzo.He also sent a warning to Posta Rangers:”We’re a different team this season. We’ve improved from last season. Even last Sunday, we played well and only conceded late in the game.”In the previous season, Posta won the first leg 3-1, but Shabana avenged the loss with a 3-0 victory in the second leg.##NAJAVA_MECA_8374342##

Powered by Live Score & Live Score App