AFC Leopards finally registered their first win of the 2025/26 SportPesa League season, overcoming KCB with a 2-1 victory at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon.
Substitute Christopher Koloti netted the decisive goal in his first appearance of the season, ensuring Ingwe maintained their unbeaten start to the season (1W 3D).
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The match began with a bang as Boniface Munyendo gave Leopards an immediate lead in the very first minute.
A quick build-up involving James Kinyanjui and Ssenyonjo found the unmarked Munyendo, who calmly slotted home his second goal of the season in his second start, having scored his first in gameweek one at the very same venue.
Ingwe pressed for a second, with Kelly Madada coming close in the 15th minute, rattling the post with a low shot.
Mousa Oundo then received the first booking of the day for a tactical foul on Richard Omondi with the first half ending with a 1-0 lead in favour of Leopards.
Trailing by one goal, KCB coach Robert Matano opted for a triple substitution at halftime.
Francis Kahiro, Jack Onganya and Kelvin Etemesi were brought on to replace Richard Omondi, Boniface Omondi and December Kisakah, respectively.
The introduction of Kahiro, making his first appearance of the season, and Onganya, returning after trials with Cadiz in Spain, proved pivotal.
Just ten minutes into the half, Francis Kahiro pounced on a loose ball from Leopards defender Randy Bakari to equalize, netting his first goal of the season.
Leopards coach Fred Ambani responded immediately with a double substitution, bringing on Ronald Sichenje and Christopher Koloti for Ssenyonjo and Beja.
The changes paid off spectacularly. In the 75th minute as substitute Koloti restored Leopards’ lead, converting after a wonderful team move initiated by his fellow substitute, Sichenje.
AFC Leopards breathe a sigh of relief after first SportPesa League win
KCB head coach Robert Matano was critical of his defense in his post-match comments.
“Lack of concentration and communication in the defense. One of the defenders should have cleared the ball,” he commented on the first goal.
Matano, however, praised his team’s second-half effort.
“We played better in the second half, we got our chances but didn’t utilize. Leopards used theirs and got the win.”
Leopards head coach Fred Ambani thanked his players for their dedication.
“The players worked to the tactics. It hasn’t been easy trying to get the first win. It has been pressure on the technical bench and the players,” Ambani said.
On the three consecutive draws and finally a win, Ambani said, “We have been drawing and asking ourselves where the problem is, and that’s why we came with the mentality that we have to win this one, and fortunately, it has worked.”
The victory provides a significant morale boost for AFC Leopards ahead of their crucial away fixture on Wednesday against Shabana at the Gusii Stadium.