Five things we learnt from matchweek 20 of the 2024/2025 FKFPL season, including Levis Opiyo’s turnaround for AFC Leopards.
Gameweek 20 of the FKF Premier League delivered drama, surprises, and moments of brilliance that could shape the remainder of the season.
From AFC Leopards’ Levis Opiyo proving his doubters wrong with another heroic performance to Gor Mahia’s new boss Sinisa Mihic securing a crucial victory in his first game,
Here are five things Pulse Sports learnt about the weekend:
AFC Leopards could not find a way to overcome Kariobangi Sharks as both sides had to share the spoils on Sunday afternoon.
1. Levis Opiyo is proving many AFC Leopards fans wrong
Levis Opiyo has gone from being one of the most divisive AFC Leopards players to a unifying one, after his heroics once again helped AFC Leopards grab an important point against Kariobangi Sharks.
The former Gor Mahia shot-stopper played like a man possessed in Dandora. Let us first address his saves.
He executed a master reflex when he denied Leonlevitt Otieno at close range when the Sharks forward thought he had done enough to tap it in, and then in the second half, did well to make a sweeping save to deny Ali Salim Omar went through on goal from a good throughball delivered by Andres Odhiambo.
He was also quick to organise his defence and berate his defenders when they made mistakes, as evidenced in the opening few minutes when he had a go at his captain Lewis Bandi after it was his mistake that allowed Leonlevitt Otieno to find himself through on goal from the left wing before he hit the upright with his resultant shot.
Opiyo follows up that performance from his heroics from two weeks ago against Murang’a Seal, when his saves helped them gain a massive point again.
It is good to hear the fans chanting his name, considering last season, he was subject to alot of criticism for his error-prone performances, including the last Mashemeji Derby when he dallied on the ball, allowing Austin Odhiambo to take full advantage and find the back of the net.
2. Will Sinisa Mihic’s methods salvage Gor Mahia’s season?
New Gor Mahia coach Siniha Mihic took charge of his first game against Mathare United as they sailed from behind to beat Mathare United 2-1 in Dandora.
K’Ogalo also finally recorded their first back-to-back victory of the year after getting the better of relegation candidates Posta Rangers last time out in what was Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s last game as interim coach.
The former Al-Merrikh SC assistant coach now trusted with leading K’Ogalo to their targeted 22nd league title admitted that his side struggled in the first half which saw both teams head to the break level at one goal apiece.
It is still unclear the direction and style of football he will implement, but based off the game against Mathare, he favored a direct approach, and it helped them get the winning goal after Samuel Kapen won a penalty after he did well to control a long ball by Alpha Onyango.
With K’Ogalo, you just have to make sure that you are winning games all the time. The so called ‘process’ does not work at that club. If Mihic’s approach means that it will give them the points they need to win the title in the end, then so be it.
3. Did Sammy Omollo ‘Pamzo’ avenge Shabana?
Shabana have enjoyed quite a good run of form under head coach Peter Okidi since taking charge of the set up last November after the Glamour Boys opted to part ways with Sammy Omollo ‘Pamzo’.
Pamzo’s pragmatic approach did not sit too well with the fans, who demanded flair and entertaining football, which left the club’s management no choice but to ask Pamzo to leave.
It is therefore ironic that a few months later, Pamzo, who returned to Posta Rangers, executed a masterstroke of a managerial performance that resulted in the Mailmen shocking Shabana 2-1.
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The former Chelsea star suffered an injury in a recent clash for Wigan Athletic which left his parent club Leicester City no choice but to recall him for rehabilitation.
Dennis Okoth had given Shabana an early lead, but Shami Kibwana equalised before Curtis Wekesa struck the winner, earning Rangers a vital three points.
The result now means Shabana are 15th on 20 points, having climbed out of the relegation places.
4. Are Tusker FC starting to get found out?
For the second game in a row, Tusker were held to a 0-0 draw by Kenya Police in Machakos, meaning it is now the second game in a row they have failed to get all the three points.
Even more concerning is the fact that Ryan Ogam has now gone three consecutive matches without finding the back of the net.
Are they missing Shapan Oyugi’s creativity in the middle of the park? We may be reading too much, but the signs are not looking good for The Brewers.
5. Wasteful Kakamega Homeboyz
Kakamega Homeboyz will be kicking themselves in the teeth as to why they never beat Ulinzi Stars, with both sides drawing 0-0 on Sunday.
Moses Shummah did well to find himself one on one with Ulinzi custodian Ricks Omondi, but his lobbed shot went agonisingly over the bar despite the idea being ideal.
Moses Mudavadi also missed a glorious chance in the second half that was cleared over the line, as was Glen Otunga, who forced a turnover of possession but then hit the ball wide when one on one with Omondi.
Gameweek 20 of the FKF Premier League provided plenty of talking points, from Levis Opiyo’s resurgence to Gor Mahia’s new chapter under Mihic. As the season heats up, the race for the title and survival remains unpredictable.
