Relegation Battles and Title Hopes: Round 16 Brings Thrills to Kenyan Football
The Kenya Premier League resumes this weekend with action-packed Round 16 fixtures that promise thrilling encounters and potential table-shifting results. Here's what fans can expect:
KPL Fixtures Saturday, 18th January 2025
Mara Sugar FC vs Mathare United FC | Awendo Green Stadium, Awendo | 14:00 | Saturday, 18th January 2025
Mara Sugar FC, currently in 12th place with 19 points, will host Mathare United FC, who are in 10th place with 20 points, at the Awendo Green Stadium. Mara Sugar has been struggling with form, suffering 4 losses in their last 5 games, securing only 1 win. On the other hand, Mathare United has had a mixed run, with 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses in their previous 5 matches.
Despite Mara Sugar’s recent struggles, they remain formidable at home, boasting 4 wins, 2 draws, and just 1 loss in their 7 home matches. Mathare, in contrast, has struggled on the road, with only 1 win, 3 draws, and 3 losses in their 7 away games.
These two teams last met in June 2024, where Mara Sugar edged Mathare United with a narrow 1-0 victory in a National Super League game. With the home advantage on their side, Mara Sugar will be keen to capitalise and secure crucial points in this mid-table clash.
Kariobangi Sharks FC vs Ulinzi Stars FC | Dandora Stadium, Dandora | 13:00
Kariobangi Sharks are desperate for a win after going four matches without a victory. They started the new year with a goalless draw against Mathare United. Ranked 11th with 19 points, the Sharks face 14th-placed Ulinzi Stars, who just won 1-0 over Mara Sugar.
In their last encounter, Ulinzi Stars won 2-1 in July 2024. They maintain a superior head-to-head record with 8 wins compared to the Sharks’ 4. As Ulinzi eyes a third consecutive win, the Kariobangi Sharks will aim to break their winless streak.
AFC Leopards SC vs FC Talanta | Dandora Stadium, Dandora | 16:00
AFC Leopards begin their 2025 campaign on a high, hosting relegation-battlers FC Talanta. Ingwe ended 2024 with an impressive unbeaten streak, winning 3 and drawing 2 of their last 5 games, securing 6th place with 22 points. In contrast, FC Talanta sits 17th with 14 points and is winless in their last 4 matches.
The Leopards dominated their last meeting in May 2024, with a convincing 3-0 win. In their last 6 encounters, AFC Leopards have won 3, with the remaining 3 ending in draws. Will Talanta end their poor run and pull themselves out of the relegation zone?
Kakamega Homeboyz FC vs Bidco United FC | Mumias Sports Complex, Mumias | 14:00
Kakamega Homeboyz returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over FC Talanta, ending their 4-match winless streak. They host Bidco United, who are on a 4-game winless streak and recently drew 0-0 with Murang’a Seal.
Homeboyz, ranked 13th with 19 points, has a solid head-to-head record against Bidco, with 3 wins and 5 draws in their last 8 encounters. Can the hosts continue their resurgence at Mumias Complex?
KPL Sunday, 19th January 2025
Nairobi City Stars vs KCB | Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos | 13:00
The City Boys face a tough challenge as they take on KCB, who are emerging as title contenders. Ranked 15th with 16 points, Nairobi City Stars lost their first game of 2025 to Posta Rangers. Meanwhile, KCB, sitting 2nd with 27 points, started the year with a thrilling 4-3 win over Mara Sugar.
KCB has dominated this fixture, with 9 wins in their last 12 meetings. Can Nairobi City Stars halt the Bankers’ momentum?
Tusker FC vs Gor Mahia FC | Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos | 16:00
League leaders Tusker host defending champions Gor Mahia in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle. Tusker, with 30 points from 16 games, rebounded from their loss to Shabana with a narrow 1-0 win over Bandari. Gor Mahia, in 4th with 24 points, played their first match of 2025.
Both teams have an even head-to-head record with 8 wins each and 4 draws. Their last meeting ended in a narrow 1-0 win for Gor Mahia.
Sofapaka FC vs Posta Rangers FC | Dandora Stadium, Dandora | 15:00
Sofapaka are in fine form, unbeaten in their last 5 matches (3 wins, 2 draws). They host bottom-placed Posta Rangers, who have just 14 points and started 2025 with a loss to Kenya Police.
Sofapaka’s head-to-head record is slightly better, with 7 wins compared to Posta’s 5. Will the hosts continue their unbeaten streak despite the absence of their coach, Robert Matano?
Bandari FC vs Shabana FC | KPA Mbaraki Sports Club, Mombasa | 15:00
Bandari hosts an in-form Shabana side in Mombasa. Shabana stunned Tusker with a 2-1 win and currently sits 5th with 23 points. Bandari, ranked 7th, will hope to bounce back after a loss to Tusker.
Shabana has dramatically improved this season, moving from relegation contenders to top-five challengers. Bandari, however, will aim to draw inspiration from their dominance in last season’s meetings, winning both legs.
Murang’a Seal FC vs Kenya Police FC | Sportpesa Arena, Murang’a | 15:00
Murang’a Seal welcomes a high-flying Kenya Police FC side on a 7-game unbeaten streak. Police, ranked 3rd with 27 points, are strong contenders for the title. Murang’a Seal, in 8th place with 22 points, will look to end Police’s streak in front of their home fans.
The last meeting between these sides ended in a 2-2 draw. Will Murang’a Seal rise to the challenge or will the Police continue their impressive form?
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