The 2024/25 FKF Premier League (FKF PL) season kicked off with a bang on Saturday, August 24th, 2024. Seven matches played across various venues produced 13 goals, with AFC Leopards leading the goal-scoring charge with a resounding 4-0 victory over Mathare United in their return to the top tier.
Leopards Roar
After a disappointing start to the previous season, AFC Leopards came out with vengeance, putting four past a lacklustre Mathare United at the Dandora Stadium. An own goal by Meshack Ochieno and strikes from Boniface Munyendo, Victor Omune, and summer signing Sydney Lokale sealed a dominant performance for Ingwe. For Mathare United, it was a harsh reality check after their promotion from the National Super League.
Newcomers Mara Sugar Make a Sweet Debut
Mara Sugar announced their arrival in the top tier in style with a convincing 3-0 win against visiting Kakamega Homeboyz at the Awendo Green Stadium. This impressive debut came despite appointing former Kenyan international George Midenyo as their coach just hours before the match.
A standout performance from Samuel Otieno and a goal from Mathias Isogoli propelled the newcomers to a comfortable victory. Three points and a clean sheet ensure Mara Sugar will spend the next few weeks in a comfortable second-place position.
Mixed Fortunes for Established Teams
Other matches saw contrasting results for established teams. KCB and Kariobangi Sharks played out a goalless draw on Saturday, while Bidco United shared the spoils with Shabana in a 1-1 draw at the Thika Stadium.
Tusker FC, facing their former coach Robert Matano, emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Sofapaka in Machakos. Murang’a Seal also picked up a valuable away win, edging past Ulinzi Stars 1-0. The clash between Posta Rangers and Bandari ended in a 1-1 draw at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Continental Commitments
Gor Mahia and Kenya Police had their opening-day fixtures postponed due to their commitments in the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup preliminary rounds, respectively. Both teams, however, enjoyed success in their continental endeavors.
Kenya Police secured a vital away victory against Ethiopia Coffee, winning 1-0 on aggregate to progress to the next stage, where they will face Egyptian giants Zamalek.
Gor Mahia, meanwhile, needed a strong performance after losing the first leg 1-0 to El Merreikh Bentiu from South Sudan. K’Ogalo displayed their experience and fighting spirit, coming back from a first-half deficit to win 5-1 at the Nyayo Stadium and progress with a 6-1 aggregate victory.
Matchweek One Results
Here’s a quick recap of the Matchweek One results:
Updated KPL Table & Break for Internationals
Following the opening round of matches, AFC Leopards top the table with a superior goal difference, followed closely by Mara Sugar. Murang’a Seal and Tusker occupy third and fourth positions respectively, separated by goal difference.
The FKF PL table will remain unchanged for at least three weeks as the league takes a break for the international window. The Harambee Stars will kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers on Septemner 2, and September 6, 2024, having been drawn in Group J alongside Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Here’s the updated FKF Premier League table:
Matchweek Two Fixtures
Here’s a preview of the next round of action: