Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards renew rivalry as FKF PL title race goes down to the wire
By Joel Masibo, April 16, 2026The Football Kenya Federation Premier League title race is shaping up to deliver one of its most dramatic finishes in recent history, with arch rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia on course for a tense battle for supremacy.
For the first time in 14 years, and only the second time this century, the two Kenyan giants could take the title fight down to the wire, rekindling one of the fiercest rivalries in African football.
The race took a decisive twist on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, when Gor Mahia suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat to Tusker FC at Wang’uru Stadium. The unexpected loss threw the title race wide open, giving AFC Leopards renewed hope of ending their long wait for league glory.
Despite the setback, Gor Mahia remain top of the standings with 57 points, holding a slender two-point advantage over their traditional rivals. However, with only a handful of matches left, the margin for error has significantly narrowed.
Title race
On the title race and handling pressure from Ingwe and the Tusker setback, Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has stated that the team had been on a fine run before the blip against the rejuvenated Brewers.
Speaking after the match at Wang’uru Stadium, Akonnor said the team has to accept the loss and focus their preparation on the next match, adding that Gor Mahia is still in the title contention.
“It is not just two points; we would win the league if it ended now. We will try to better our results in our next match and continue the momentum we had before the last match. We are still very hopeful and believe we have done so much in the league so far. We are still on top by two points, and we will work from there as we head to our next match,” he stated.
Leopards aiming for Police scalp
On the title race, AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has rallied his team for the next clash against defending champions Kenya Police on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Nyayo Stadium, as the title-chasing side ramps up their chase of the league in the 2025 season.
Speaking while talking up the secrets of AFC Leopards’ fine run in the season, on Friday, April 10, 2026, Ambani explained that the duel against the defending champions is another hurdle they will have to get past to justify their title prospects.
“First, we respect the Police as the defending champions, who have good players and are a good team. On our part, we are equally a good team, and we have to prove why we are ranked second and going for the title. We can only do it by winning matches and the police being among them. We have to make our players understand the importance of winning this game,” he stated.
The prospect of AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia battling it out at the summit has ignited excitement among fans, as the league braces for a potentially historic conclusion. With pride, legacy, and the championship on the line, the stage is perfectly set for a thrilling finale to the campaign. All eyes are now firmly fixed on the highly anticipated 99th edition of the Mashemeji Derby, set for Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium. The clash could prove decisive in determining the destination of the title, with both sides aware that victory would provide a crucial edge in the final stretch.