Vincent Owino vs AC Leopards on Sun 21 Jan 2024 in Bukhungu Stadium during a matchday 19 FKF Premier League match. Leopards won 2-0
Vincent Owino vs AC Leopards on Sun 21 Jan 2024 in Bukhungu Stadium during a matchday 19 FKF Premier League match. Leopards won 2-0

Head-to-head: AFC Leopards (H) vs Nairobi City Stars (A): 2024-25 FKF Premier League season

On Sunday 29 September 2024, AFC Leopards will host Nairobi City Stars in Dandora Stadium for the first time ever, during a 2024-25 matchday four tie starting at 3 p.m.

The corresponding fixture, held on 21 January 2024, was played out in Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega County. Leopards went on to win it 2-0 to put an end to Simba wa Nairobi’s seven-game winning streak.

The upcoming duel will be the 27th game in the top-flight between the two since the year 2005. From the previous 25 games, Leopards has registered eleven to nine wins over City Stars, while the other six games have ended in draws.

Narrowed to 13 away games against Leopards, City Stars has drawn six, lost five times, and registered two wins – back in January 2006, and in May 2023. From the 13 home games, hosts Leopards has outscored City Stars 13 to nine goals.

Simba wa Nairobi heads to the game with a 1-1 draw against Bidco United and 1-0 loss to Mara Sugar as Leopards comes to the tie with a massive 1-0 win over bogey team Bidco United from their last encounter.

Once again it will be a matchup for touchline masters Nicholas Muyoti on the City Stars end when he comes up against his counterpart Tomas Trucha on the Leopards side for only the third time. Each has a win a piece.

City Stars 3-2 win in November 2023 handed Muyoti his win over  Trucha who turned the tables in the reverse fixture in January of 2024 in Bukhungu.

Table-wise, Simba wa Nairobi sits 16th on the current log with a single point from two games as Leopards is placed fourth with six points from three games.

Who wins this one?

KPL Games: 26 (Leopards wins -11, City Stars wins – 9, Draws – 6)

City Stars vs AFC Leopards (12 Away games)

22-Jan-06: AFC Leopards vs World Hope, Nyayo Stadium, 0-1 (W)
22-Aug-09: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 0-0 (D)
18-Apr-10: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, City Stadium, 1-1 (D)
21-Aug-11: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 2-1 (L)
13-Jul-12: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 1-0 (L)
18-Aug-13: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 1-1 (D)
12-Apr-14: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Mumias Complex, 1-1 (D)
19-Jul-15: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 2-1 (L)
21-Aug-16: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Afraha Stadium, 0-0 (D)
06-Mar-21: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Kasarani Annex, 1-0 (L)
06-Jun-22: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Thika Stadium, 1-1 (D)
29-May-23: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 1-2 (W)
21-Jan-24: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, 2-0 (L)
29-Sep-24: AFC Leopards vs City Stars, Nyayo Stadium, ??

Byron Owino vs Kakamega Homeboyz at Police Sacco on 15 June 2024
Byron Owino vs Kakamega Homeboyz at Police Sacco on 15 June 2024

Owino, Etemesi in for Leopards clash

There will be two changes from the squad that took on Mara Sugar last weekend as Nairobi City Stars returns to Dandora Stadium on Sunday 29 September 2024 to face home team AFC Leopards starting from 3 p.m.

In comes forward Kelvin Etemesi and keeper Byron Owino as like-for-like replacements for Ugandan James Ssemambo and Elvis Ochoro.

The two had missed out on selection in the opening two games of the season including the first one against Bidco United.

Squad to face AFC Leopards

Goalkeepers: 1. Edwin Mukolwe, 32. Byron Owino

Defenders: 4. Timothy Muganda, 6. Brian Opinde, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 15. Wycliffe Omondi, , 30. Rowland Makati

Midfielders: 3. Sven Yidah , 16. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 18. Clifford Ouma, 19. Vincent Owino, 25. Brian Mzee,

Forwards: 5. Robinson Asenwa, 9. Yuto Kusaba, 10. Dennis Oalo, 11. Mohammed Bajaber, 20. Kelvin Etemesi, 27. Gilbert Abala, 28. Andre Kalama

Out: 7. Pius Omachi, 13. Elvis Ochoro, 17. Brian Mose Nyambane,21. Rogers Wasega, 22. Stephen Bulugu, 26. James Ssemambo, 31. Abuyeka Kubasu,

Coach: Nicholas Muyoti

Andre Kalama in action against Mara Sugar in Awendo, Migori, on Sat 21 Sep 2024. He made his debut for City Stars in the matchday 3 tie
Andre Kalama in action against Mara Sugar in Awendo, Migori, on Sat 21 Sep 2024. He made his debut for City Stars in the matchday 3 tie

Andre Kalama upbeat after debut

A place in the starting lineup and 69 minutes against Mara Sugar in Awendo on Saturday 21 September 2024 earned flyer Andre Kalama his Nairobi City Stars debut.

Kalama, and unused substitute against Bidco United in the season opener, talked up his first game for Simba wa Nairobi.

“First of all I want to thank God for the opportunity to get my first league game in City Stars colors under my belt,”

“It was a tough match away from home where as a team we encountered challenges even before the starting whistle. It was a team that made use their home advantage and in the end got the all important goal to see off the game,”

“On a personal level, it was a tough outing but I believe that I am integrating well with my teammates as well as the system of play and I will be able to do more in the upcoming matches when called upon,”

Kalama joined Simba wa Nairobi in the offseason following a succesfull debut premier league season with Sofapaka whom he helped to retain their premier league status with a goal during the post season playoff.

“My move to Nairobi City Stars has been like a breath of fresh air. After a tough season last season, fighting for survival in the premier league, I am happy to have secured a move to a team which finished well in the top half of the table,”

“In City Stars, I look to help the team achieve an even better place in the league table. I look to improve on my goal tally from last season, and to be able to get a National team Call-up,”

“I am thankful to the club CEO and all those involved in bringing me in and I look forward to having an outstanding season ahead.” added Kalama

Kalama dons jersey number 28.

Brian Opinde in Awendo for a matchday 3 game against Mara Sugar on Sat 21 Sep 2024
Brian Opinde in Awendo for a matchday 3 game against Mara Sugar on Sat 21 Sep 2024

Brian Opinde awaits his turn

Newly acquired Nairobi City Stars center back Brian Opinde is raring to go following his arrival from Eldoret-bases Langas Super Stars, a team featuring in Division 2, the fourth tier of Kenyan football hierarchy.

Opinde was scouted while featuring for PASC Langa in Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament, and joined Simba wa Nairobi in time for the upcoming season.

He talked of his entry to the City Stars and his early days at the club;

“One day I was a division 2 player and the next thing I was at City Stars signed for the season. This is a dream come true and I wish to make the most out of this rare opportunity,”

“I received a good welcome to the team and training has been good and through the guidance of the coaches I have quickly adapted to the team’s philosophy and approach,”

Opinde sat out the league opener against Bidco United but made the cut for the next game against Mara Sugar though he was an un used substitute.

He’s is overly optimistic of making it to the match day squad in upcoming games.

“The two games gave me a glimpse of the top light. The team played very well and I, as much as I did not play, picked lots of lessons,”

“When the time comes and it’s my turn (to play) I’ll be ready.” he said confidently

Opinde was one of four new players roped in for the season besides flyer Andre Kalama, midfielder James Ssemambo, and left back Stephen Bulugu.

Brian Opinde @Hope Centre on Wed 18 Sep 2024

Rowland Makati vs Mara Sugar in Awendo, Migori, on Sat 21 Sep 2024
Rowland Makati vs Mara Sugar in Awendo, Migori, on Sat 21 Sep 2024

MD3: Mara Sugar 1 Nairobi City Stars 0

Promoted Mara Sugar scored a loner in the second half on Saturday 21 Sep 2024 in Awendo Green Stadium to hand Nairobi City Stars a 1-0 defeat during a 2024-25 matchday three tie.

The lone goal was scored by Dennis Cheruiyot at the hour mark.

With the loss, the sixth at the premier league in Awendo, City Stars dropped from eleventh to 13th on the log with a single point as Mara Sugar shot up three places to third with six points.

Next up for Simba wa Nairobi is an away game against AFC Leopards on Sunday 30 Sep 2024 in Dandora starting at 3 p.m.

Lineups

Nairobi City Stars: 1. Edwin Mukolwe, 4. Timothy Muganda, 8. Calvin Masawa -captain, 15. Wycliffe Omondi, 30. Rowland Makati, 28. *Andre Kalama (27. Gilbert Abala-66), 3. Sven Yidah (16. Elvis Noor-66), 25. Brian Mzee (26. James Ssemambo-84), 5. Robinson Asenwa, 9. Yuto Kusaba (19. Vincent Owino-66), 10. Dennis Oalo

Unused subs: 13. Elvis Ochoro, 6. Brian Opinde, 12. Edwin Buliba, 11. Mohammed Bajaber, 18. Clifford Ouma

Coach: Nicholas Muyoti

Yellow cards: 3. Sven Yidah (33), 30. Rowland Makati (58)

*City Stars debut