This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
The 2019/2020 Kenyan Premier League season kicked off with a bang, featuring several surprises and upsets. Published on September 3, 2019.
Debutantes dominated the first round of matches, with seasoned teams like AFC Leopards, Tusker, and Sofapaka struggling to find their footing. The league takes a two-week international break before resuming on September 14.
Record champions Gor Mahia made a statement by demolishing Tusker 5-2 in Kisumu, while their perennial rivals AFC Leopards lost 1-0 to Kakamega Homeboyz. The defeat was a repeat of Tusker's 2017 season opener loss to Nzoia Sugar.
Big spenders Wazito were given a reality check after being frustrated to a 1-1 draw by Nzoia Sugar, while new Sofapaka coach Divaldo Alves was given a rude welcome to the league after his team fell 2-1 to Posta Rangers.
Several debutants made a winning start in the league, including Gor Mahia's Steven Pollack and Herman Iswekha, who scored in their team's win against Tusker. Returning veteran coaches Henry Omino and James Nandwa, however, were on the receiving end as their sides lost to Ulinzi Stars and KCB respectively.
The golden boot race also started on a high note, with several players scoring braces in their debut matches. Ulinzi Stars forward Enosh Ochieng got off the mark with a brace in his side's 2-0 away win over newcomers Kisumu All Stars.
