Shabana FC were held to a 1-1 draw in their FKF Premier League opener at Thika Stadium on Saturday as the new season kicked off.

The Gusii-based side, having secured a new sponsor just before the league started, took an early lead when Mathew Tegisi scored in the third minute.

Shabana concede

Bidco United equalized early in the second half, with Douglas Mokaya finding the back of the net just two minutes after the restart, ensuring both teams shared the spoils.

In other matches played on Saturday, Bandari FC and Posta Rangers also played to a 1-1 draw at Machakos Stadium. Henry Juma opened the scoring for Posta Rangers, but Beja Nyamawi equalized, securing a point for the Coastal side.

Meanwhile, KCB Football Club and Kariobangi Sharks played to a goalless draw.

On Sunday, attention will turn to the AFC Leopards’ clash with Mathare United at the newly refurbished Dandora Stadium. AFC Leopards, commonly known as Ingwe, will be looking for a strong start as they aim to end their 26-year Premier League title drought.

Mathare United, returning to the top flight after earning direct promotion, are well aware of the challenge posed by Ingwe.

“It is essential to start a new season with a win, and a victory against AFC Leopards will give us the right boost. They are a top team and are well-coached. You can also see for yourself that they had a really good pre-season, with everything being made available for them,” noted Mathare United coach John Kamau.

AFC Leopards new signing

AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha will be eager to showcase his new signings, including South Sudan national team captain Peter Maker Manyang Mabok, Sydney Lokale (formerly of Sharks, HIFK Finland, KCB FC, and FC Saint Eloi Lupopo in Congo), Samuel Semo from Murang’a Seal, and Julius Masaba from Sharks.

Newcomers, Mara Sugar will kick off their campaign with an away game against Kakamega Homeboyz, while Ulinzi Stars, under new coach Dunstan Nyaudo, will face Murang’a Seal.