Newly promoted 3K FC claimed their first victory of the 2026/27 SportPesa League season after defeating regional rivals Murang'a SEAL 2-1 in an entertaining Mlima Derby at Moi Stadium in Embu on Sunday afternoon.
The victory highlighted a round of closely contested fixtures, with AFC Leopards held to a goalless draw by Shabana, Nairobi United rescuing a late 1-1 draw against APS Bomet, and Mombasa United sharing the points with Kenya Police following another goalless encounter.
In Embu, 3K FC entered the derby searching for their maiden top-flight victory after opening their campaign with consecutive draws against Mara Sugar and Bandari FC.
Murang'a SEAL, meanwhile, were hoping to build on their convincing 5-1 victory over Posta Rangers after suffering an opening-day defeat against defending champions Gor Mahia.
The visitors thought they had made the perfect start when Josephat Lopaga found the net, but the effort was disallowed following a foul on 3K goalkeeper Kulwa Emmanuel.
Murang'a continued pressing forward, with Majaliwa Charo forcing Kulwa into an important save after cutting inside and directing a curling effort towards goal.
However, the hosts broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Glen fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Marvin Nderitu to give 3K FC the advantage.
The newly promoted side doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Oscar Juma rose highest inside the penalty area to head home an excellent delivery from Alex Mwalimu.
Murang'a SEAL responded before half-time, reducing the deficit through Michael Owen in the first minute of stoppage time.
Lucas Maina created the opportunity, allowing Owen to curl his effort beyond Kulwa and give the visitors renewed hope heading into the interval.
3K returned for the second half determined to protect their advantage while continuing to threaten in attack.
Eugene Ateya nearly restored the hosts' two-goal cushion with a well-struck free kick, but Nderitu produced an impressive save to keep Murang'a in contention.
The visitors pushed for an equaliser and came close through substitute Michael Macharia, whose effort was blocked and deflected behind for a corner.
Murang'a's best opportunity arrived in the 77th minute, but captain Daniel Wabwire produced a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve 3K's advantage.
Despite sustained late pressure, the hosts held on to secure a memorable 2-1 victory and claim the bragging rights in their first top-flight derby against Murang'a SEAL.
The result lifted 3K FC to five points from three matches, while Murang'a remained on three points after suffering their second defeat of the campaign.
Elsewhere, Nairobi United scored deep into stoppage time to rescue a 1-1 draw against APS Bomet at Police Sacco Stadium.
Bomet started brightly and thought they had taken the lead in the 13th minute when captain Philip Wasai rounded goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo before finding the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The visitors eventually opened the scoring in the 29th minute when Rodgers Kipkemoi rose highest to head home a well-delivered cross.
Nairobi United responded by increasing their attacking pressure after the break as APS Bomet dropped deeper to defend their slender advantage.
Bomet appeared on course for their first victory of the season until substitute Michael Karamor struck in the 94th minute to snatch a point for the hosts.
The late equaliser denied APS Bomet a much-needed victory, leaving both clubs still searching for their first win of the campaign.
At Nyayo National Stadium, AFC Leopards were unable to build on their dramatic midweek victory over Kenya Police after being held to a 0-0 draw by Shabana FC.
Ingwe entered the fixture hoping to secure consecutive league victories following Ronald Sichenje's late winner against Police, but neither side managed to find the breakthrough.
The stalemate left Leopards with five points from their opening three league matches after two draws and one victory.
Meanwhile, Mombasa United registered their first point of the season after holding Kenya Police to a goalless draw at Mbaraki.
The newly promoted Coastal side had suffered defeats against Kakamega Homeboyz and Mara Sugar in their opening two fixtures but managed to avoid a third consecutive loss.
For Kenya Police, the result extended their difficult start to the campaign, leaving the Law Enforcers without a victory after three league matches.
The match was also their first under interim coach Anthony Akhulia following the departures of Nicholas Muyoti and assistant John Baraza.
Sunday's results left 3K FC celebrating a historic first top-flight victory, while the remaining fixtures demonstrated the competitive nature of the opening weeks of the SportPesa League season.
