The eighth round of the 2025/26 Kenya Premier League (SportPesa League) delivered the kind of drama, resilience, and tactical variance that has defined the season so far. From Gor Mahia’s cold, calculated efficiency to Nairobi United’s relentless brilliance, the weekend fixtures across November 8–9 showcased a league in transition – new contenders rising, traditional forces recalibrating, and mid-table teams fighting for identity.
Gor Mahia Silence Police FC to Reclaim Momentum (Police FC 0–2 Gor Mahia)
Gor Mahia entered this clash under quiet pressure. A congested calendar and recent inconsistency had raised questions, especially with Kenya Police FC proving one of the hardest sides to break down this season. But Charles Akonnor’s men delivered a professional away performance, managing the tempo and punishing Police’s lapses with surgical precision.
The 2–0 win felt more than three points – it was a reminder that experience, structure, and big-game mentality still separate Gor Mahia from the chasing pack. Police FC, who have been juggling continental commitments, showed clear signs of fatigue, their pressing less intense and transitions slower than usual.
Bandari and KCB Play Out a Tactical Standoff (Bandari 1–1 KCB)
This was a cagey contest between two teams whose strengths lie in discipline rather than fireworks. Bandari dominated possession but KCB defended in numbers and countered with purpose. The 1–1 draw reflected a fair balance: Bandari’s creativity versus KCB’s structure. Both sides remain in the murky middle of the table – difficult to beat, but struggling to kill off games.
APS Bomet Fight to Hold Mathare United Despite Red Card (APS Bomet 1–1 Mathare United)
APS Bomet showed grit. After going a man down, they were expected to fold against the youthful, energetic Mathare United setup. Instead, they defended aggressively and struck on the break to secure a fully-earned point. Mathare will regret their wastefulness, especially in the second half where they camped in Bomet’s box but failed to find composure.
Murang’a Seal Valuable Point Away to Homeboyz (Kakamega Homeboyz 1–1 Murang’a SEAL)
Murang’a SEAL continue to prove that their promotion was no fluke. Their intensity without the ball forced Homeboyz into rushed decisions, and they grew into the game in the second half. The 1–1 draw was a tactical win for Murang’a, who continue to build a reputation as the league’s best disruptors.
Shabana Secure Crucial Win Against Ulinzi Stars (Ulinzi Stars 0–1 Shabana)
This was Shabana at their gritty best – organised, direct, and emotionally charged. Ulinzi Stars struggled to break their defensive block, while Shabana capitalised with a moment of sharp forward play. The single-goal victory is massive for a side fighting to climb out of the lower half.
Nairobi United Turn On the Style (Nairobi United 4–2 Kariobangi Sharks)
Nairobi United remain the season’s brightest story. Fast, fearless, and expressive, they delivered a statement win over Kariobangi Sharks in a six-goal thriller. Their attacking trio once again overwhelmed the Sharks’ backline with pace and improvisation, extending their impressive goal tally.
Defensively, they remain vulnerable—conceding twice at home—but their attacking firepower currently masks those flaws. The win keeps their continental ambitions alive.
Mara Sugar Grind Out a Win Over AFC Leopards (Mara Sugar 2–0 Leopards)
AFC Leopards’ season continues to unravel. Mara Sugar took full advantage, scoring early and maintaining control throughout. Leopards look short on leadership and cohesion, while the newcomers played with clarity and hunger. Another deserved victory for Mara Sugar, another worrying performance for Ingwe.
Tusker Edge Bidco United (Bidco United 0–1 Tusker)
This was a classic Tusker FC performance – compact, pragmatic, and decided by small moments. Bidco had long spells of possession but lacked penetration. Tusker’s experience again shone through, securing a much-needed win to keep their chase of the top six alive.
