Let AFC Leopards enjoy their moment at the top of the table. They have waited long enough for even a brief taste of it. But the real question is not how they got there, it is whether they can stay there.
History is not kind to Ingwe on this front. For nearly three decades, AFC have largely appeared at the top of the league table only alphabetically, “AFC” neatly sitting in position one with zero points on opening day. Sustained title contention has been a foreign language.
Yes, the effort this season deserves recognition. But maintaining pole position is where the pressure lives, and with many matches still to be played, that pressure is only beginning to build.
As Gor Mahia take on Murang’a Seal this afternoon at Kasarani, the league standings could yet swing again. A Gor Mahia victory would quickly restore familiar order, leaving AFC to “hold the fort” for now, and hope.
Gor mahia vs Murang’s Seal
History between Gor Mahia and Murang’a Seal suggests a tight affair. Gor have beaten the Seals just once in regulation time, with their other victory coming via penalties. Three of the last five meetings have ended in draws, underlining just how stubborn this fixture has become.
Kasarani Stadium is therefore set for a proper test as K’Ogalo lock horns with the league’s surprise package in a high-stakes SportPesa Premier League encounter.
Standing firmly in Gor’s path is a Murang’a Seal side that has forgotten how to lose. Under the tactical guidance of former Harambee Stars midfielder Osborne Monday, the Seals are riding a remarkable 10-match unbeaten run, the longest in the league. Their confidence was on full display in a composed 2–0 win over Mathare United last time out.
“We respect Gor Mahia, but we do not fear them,” Monday told reporters. “We are not coming to Nairobi to be spectators.”
Those words alone should raise alarm bells in the Gor Mahia camp.
K’Ogalo will once again look to their leading scorer, Felix Oluoch, to unlock a Murang’a defence that has conceded just two goals in their last five matches. At the other end, fan favourite Joe Waithira, fresh from a creative masterclass, will probe a Gor backline that has shown vulnerability under sustained pressure.
For Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor, this is more than just another league fixture. After a frustrating goalless draw against Shabana, the demand is clear: turn control into goals and draws into wins. How Gor respond to Murang’a’s disciplined low block could well define their title credentials.
With two games in hand, Gor Mahia still control their destiny. But football does not reward potential, it rewards execution. Win today, and the summit beckons once more. Slip up, and belief will surge across the divide in the AFC Leopards camp that their 28-year title drought might finally be nearing its end.
For now, AFC Leopards can enjoy the view.
Whether they can survive the climb remains to be seen.