Kenya Police, AFC Leopards face early title test as Nicholas Muyoti targets revenge against former club

Kenya Police coach Nicholas Muyoti will draw on his intimate knowledge of AFC Leopards when the two title contenders meet at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday, with both sides desperate for their first victory of the 2026/27 SportPesa League season.

The 3 pm encounter presents Muyoti with an immediate test against his former club after the Law Enforcers opened their campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw against newly promoted Migori Youth in Awendo. AFC Leopards also dropped points, settling for a goalless stalemate against Bandari.

With both teams having finished among the top three last season, Wednesday’s clash offers an early opportunity to make a statement in the title race.

Muyoti demands improved performance

Despite failing to secure maximum points in their opening fixture, Muyoti insists Kenya Police’s championship ambitions remain intact.

“No, I am not disappointed. The title ambitions are well on course,” he said.

Police had to recover after conceding in the sixth minute against Migori Youth before finding an equaliser shortly before half-time. While the comeback earned them a point, the performance exposed weaknesses that must be addressed ahead of a more demanding contest.

“Although we did not start the match strongly, it is a point to build on towards our title aspirations,” Muyoti said.

The coach has since focused on correcting the errors that affected his team’s display, with concentration and execution among his priorities.

“There were a few mistakes here and there to rectify,” he said.

Police are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Elvis Rupia leading the attack and a double pivot providing protection in midfield. The system could transition into a 4-3-3 when they push forward, although Muyoti will be wary of leaving his defence exposed to Leopards’ counterattacks.

His familiarity with Ingwe, whom he previously played for and captained, could also prove valuable as he prepares to exploit their weaknesses.

Kenya Police finished third last season with 55 points, while Leopards secured second place with 64, seven behind champions Gor Mahia.

Ambani eyes title statement

AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani is equally determined to get his side’s campaign moving after the stalemate against Bandari.

Although he acknowledged the quality within the Police squad, Ambani has challenged his players to rise to the occasion as they pursue their ambitions of ending the season with the league crown.

“First, we respect the Police as a good team with good players,” he said.

Leopards finished runners-up last season and are determined to improve on that achievement.

“Definitely, we cannot do anything below the second position from last year’s performance, so now we aim higher and, for sure, we are going for the title,” Ambani said.

The coach has also placed emphasis on improving his team’s attacking output, particularly against opponents who make it difficult to create chances from open play.

“When a team is struggling, it becomes very difficult to find the back of the net from open play, so we have been working on set-pieces to create chances,” he said.

Leopards have received a boost with defender Kayci Odhiambo available after recovering from injury.

History favours Ingwe, but Police have a warning

Historical league meetings give Leopards an advantage, having won four of their 11 top-flight encounters against Kenya Police. The Law Enforcers have recorded two victories, while five matches have ended in draws.

However, Police will take confidence from their emphatic 3-0 victory over Ingwe on April 18, 2026, which demonstrated their ability to trouble their rivals.

With both teams sitting on one point after their opening fixtures, Wednesday’s showdown offers little room for complacency as the title hopefuls look to establish early momentum in the race for the SportPesa League crown.