Kakamega Homeboyz began their 2026/27 league campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over newly promoted Mombasa United at Mbaraki Sports Ground, while AFC Leopards were frustrated by Bandari FC in a goalless draw at Police Sacco Stadium.
In Mombasa, former Tusker FC defender Charles Momanyi scored the decisive goal three minutes from time, rising highest to head home Moses Mudavadi's corner and secure all three points for Homeboyz.
Mombasa United made an encouraging start to their first top-flight fixture, with Rashidi Waziri going close in the 20th minute when his effort struck the side netting.
Homeboyz captain Mudavadi then created danger at the opposite end, beating two defenders before seeing his powerful shot deflected behind for a corner. Momanyi met the resulting delivery but headed over the crossbar.
The hosts continued to push before the break, with Rodgers Mathew failing to convert from inside the penalty area after being picked out by Jackson Watee.
Both sides went into half-time goalless, with Mombasa United remaining competitive against their more experienced opponents.
The newcomers introduced Mogbademu Adeyemi at the start of the second half as they searched for the breakthrough.
Watee later wasted two promising opportunities with around 15 minutes remaining, while Homeboyz substitute Boniface Nyabuto narrowly missed with an ambitious overhead kick.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 87th minute when Mudavadi delivered a corner into the area and Momanyi powered his header home to give Homeboyz a winning start.
Assistant coach Paul Okwata praised his players for securing the result following a demanding trip to the coast, while acknowledging that Mombasa United had provided a difficult test.
Mombasa United coach Abdulhamid Moalim was disappointed with the late defeat but said the match would serve as an important learning experience for his players as they adjust to top-flight football.
Elsewhere, AFC Leopards were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Bandari FC in their opening fixture at Police Sacco Stadium.
Fred Ambani's side thought they had taken the lead in the 11th minute through James Kinyanjui, but the effort was ruled out after the ball was judged to have gone out of play during the build-up.
Bandari nearly punished Leopards before the half-hour mark when a defensive mistake presented Lawrence Okoth with an opportunity, but goalkeeper Tom Ikara produced an important save to keep the match level.
Chances became increasingly limited after the break as Bandari defended resolutely and prevented Leopards from establishing sustained attacking pressure.
Ingwe pushed for a winner during the closing stages and came close from a corner, only for Lawrence Juma to clear an effort off the goal line.
Bandari held firm to secure a point, extending their recent run of tightly contested encounters with Leopards.
The results left Kakamega Homeboyz celebrating maximum points from their opening fixture, while AFC Leopards were left frustrated after failing to turn home advantage into a winning start.
