FKF-PL: Gor Mahia eye redemption, tough tests await leaders

Gor Mahia's Christopher Ochieng' and Simeon Kenneth (left) of Bidco United during FkF Premier League at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County.[Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Defending champions Gor Mahia will aim to bounce back from their shock 1-0 defeat to Bidco United last weekend when they host Shabana FC in Matchweek 13 of the FKF Premier League on Wednesday.

The match, set for Machakos Stadium at 4pm, pits fourth-placed Gor Mahia (17 points) against a struggling Shabana side sitting 12th with 13 points. With Gor Mahia seeking to close the gap on league leaders KCB FC, a win is crucial to keep their title defense hopes alive.

League leaders KCB FC, who top the standings with 22 points after 11 matches, will be keen to maintain their unbeaten run when they host Sofapaka at SportPesa Arena on Thursday.

Second-placed Tusker FC, just a point behind KCB, face a stern test against seventh-placed AFC Leopards. Tusker will look to capitalize on their superior goal difference of +7 to reclaim the top spot should KCB falter.

In other notable fixtures, Bidco United, fresh from their morale-boosting victory over Gor Mahia, host Police FC at SportPesa Arena. Bidco, currently 16th with 11 points, will hope to escape the relegation playoff zone with another win. Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks and Nairobi City Stars, both tied on 14 points, clash in what promises to be an intense mid-table battle.

Elsewhere, Posta Rangers and Kakamega Homeboyz lock horns at SportPesa Arena as both teams seek to move away from the relegation zone. At Kinoru Stadium, Ulinzi Stars, sitting 15th, will face a stern challenge from third-placed Bandari FC.

Wednesday FKF-PL Fixtures

FC Talanta vs Mara Sugar - Machakos Stadium, 1:00 PM

Kariobangi Sharks vs Nairobi City Stars - Dandora Stadium, 1:00 PM

Bidco United vs Police FC - SportPesa Arena, 1:00 PM

Ulinzi Stars vs Bandari FC - Kinoru Stadium, 4:00 PM

Posta Rangers vs Kakamega Homeboyz - SportPesa Arena, 4:00 PM

AFC Leopards vs Tusker FC - Dandora Stadium, 4:00 PM

Gor Mahia vs Shabana FC - Machakos Stadium, 4:00 PM