By Bonface Mulyungi
Gor Mahia are the 2025/26 FKF Premier League champions after AFC Leopards suffered a decisive 2-1 defeat away to APS Bomet at Kericho Green Stadium.
Despite not being in action, K’Ogalo sealed a record-extending 22nd league title after APS Bomet beat their closest challengers in a result that finally settled the title race on a dramatic afternoon.
Leopards went into the match knowing only victory would keep their fading title hopes alive, but a second-half brace from Philip Wasai ensured the trophy would return to Gor Mahia with games still left to play.
The result left Ingwe unable to catch Gor’s 68-point tally, even though the champions still have a game in hand after their fixture against Mara Sugar was postponed following intervention by the Sports Disputes Tribunal over venue disagreements.
The opening half in Kericho was tightly contested, with AFC Leopards creating the clearest chance just before the break when Tyson Otieno forced a crucial save from goalkeeper Maxwell Mulili.
However, APS Bomet emerged stronger after halftime and punished defensive lapses from the visitors with clinical finishing.
Wasai opened the scoring in the 58th minute after Kelly Madada was dispossessed on the flank. Hansel Ochieng quickly launched the ball forward, allowing Wasai to curl a composed finish into the far corner.
Four minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead through another swift counterattack. Festus Kipkemoi delivered a dangerous long ball that found Wasai unmarked, and the forward powered home a header for his second goal of the afternoon.
A late own goal gave Leopards a lifeline in the closing stages, but APS Bomet held firm to secure a famous win and extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches, including eight consecutive victories.
The result also carried financial significance for the league debutants, whose players and technical bench received a Sh50,000 bonus following the victory. APS Bomet have now earned Sh200,000 in performance bonuses over their last four matches.
Sunday’s outcome sees Gor Mahia reclaim the league title they surrendered to Kenya Police FC last season, while also securing a return to CAF Champions League football.
The triumph further strengthens Gor’s status as the most successful club in Kenyan football history with 22 league crowns.
Midfielder Ernest Wendo also extended his remarkable legacy, now holding eight league titles and standing as the most decorated player in FKF Premier League history.
Gor are expected to receive a guard of honour from Mara Sugar when the postponed fixture is eventually played.
At Nyayo National Stadium, relegated Sofapaka fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Shabana FC.
Francis Ghartey gave Batoto Ba Mungu the lead in the 36th minute following a quick counterattack, before Kevin Omundi rescued a point for Shabana with a late equaliser in the 78th minute.
Meanwhile, Murang’a Seal FC secured a 2-0 win over relegated Bidco United courtesy of a Joe Waithira brace. The forward’s double took his season tally to 19 goals, intensifying the Golden Boot race.
At Mbaraki Sports Club, Bandari FC edged Tusker FC 1-0 through Erick Balecho’s strike to register their first league win since March.
Elsewhere, Nairobi United held former FKF champions Ulinzi Stars to a goalless draw at the Kasarani Annex.
For AFC Leopards, the defeat means their long wait for a league title continues. Ingwe have not lifted the championship since 1998, and another promising campaign ultimately ended in disappointment at the final hurdle.
