As Gor Mahia, Kenya’s record champions, roll into Kericho for a SportPesa Premier League showdown against APS Bomet, the stakes could hardly be higher.
K’Ogalo sit top of the table on 40 points, just three ahead of AFC Leopards (37), with both sides having played 19 matches. Any slip-up at Kericho Green Stadium would hand Ingwe a golden opportunity to close or even erase- that gap. For Gor Mahia, there’s no room for a float.
APS Bomet: The Giant-Killers’ Mindset
APS Bomet come into this contest 14th with 18 points, a season defined by flashes of promise and bouts of inconsistency. Their last five outings read W–L–D–L–D, yielding eight goals scored and nine conceded, enough attacking bite to hurt opponents, but defensive frailties that can be punished.
Head coach Sammy Pamzo Omollo has thrown down the gauntlet:
“We’ve done it before, and we’re ready to do it again. The champions are coming to our turf, they’re entering the lion’s den. Let’s turn the stadium green and make history repeat itself.”
At home, APS have shown resilience, a thrilling 3–3 draw with Shabana and a 1–1 stalemate against Mara Sugar FC, though consistency against top-half sides remains elusive. Confidence, however, flows from one unforgettable night in November: a 4–1 demolition of Gor Mahia, still the champions’ heaviest defeat of the season.
Likely APS XI
GK: Bob Cetric
Defence: Frank Mandela, Joseph Masibo, Edward Masembe
Midfield: Francis Ouma, Anthony Naibei
Attack: Hillary Juma (behind Philip Wasai), Rodgers Kipekmoi, Festus Kipekmoi
Gor Mahia: Champions on a Mission
Formidable is an understatement. Gor Mahia boast a league-best record of 12 wins, 4 draws, 3 defeats, scoring 31 and conceding just 13. They are unbeaten in nine matches, with recent league form W–W–W–W–D, including emphatic 3–0 wins over Sofapaka and Mara Sugar FC.
January belonged to K’Ogalo: Charles Akonnor scooped Coach of the Month, while right-back Paul Ochuoga claimed Player of the Month. Fresh from a 2–0 Mozzart Bet Cup victory over Dero FC, Gor Mahia are eyeing a 10th straight unbeaten match.
Likely Gor Mahia XI
GK: Byrne Omondi
Defence: Paul Ochuoga, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage/Frank Odhiambo, Bryton Onyona
Midfield: Enock Morrison, Alpha Onyango, Jackson Dwang
Attack: Shariff Musa, Ebenezer Adukwaw
Unavailable: Felix Oluoch (injured); Boost: Ben Stanley back in training
The Verdict
History favors Gor Mahia; pedigree, depth, and momentum all point their way. But football has a long memory, and APS Bomet still carry the confidence of that stunning 4–1 upset.
So, will Kericho ring with Gor Biro, Yawne chants as K’Ogalo tighten their grip on the summit? Or will APS spring another trap and throw the title race wide open?
Sunday will tell.