- AFC Leopards vs Mathare United SportPesa League match will be played on Sunday, November 2.
- The match will be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium.
- Kick-off set for 3:00 PM EAT.
AFC Leopards will be aiming to maintain their unblemished SportPesa League 25/26 run when they host Mathare United on Sunday, November 2, at the Nyayo National Stadium from 3:00 PM EAT.
Ingwe remains one of only two sides, alongside the reigning champions Kenya Police FC, who are yet to taste defeat this season, with Police having played just two league matches.
ALSO READ: Kariobangi Sharks frustrate Shabana to extend their poor SportPesa League run
AFC Leopards vs Mathare United preview
Ingwe’s campaign began on an uncertain footing, grinding out points despite three consecutive draws before finding their rhythm in a fourth match where they recorded a 2-1 victory over KCB.
Their momentum was further boosted on Thursday when they visited a struggling Shabana at Gusii Stadium and emerged with all three points.
This result not only bolstered their morale in a title quest they have chased for over two decades but also propelled them to fifth place with nine points from a possible 15.
The encounter against Shabana marked Fred Ambani’s 30th match at the helm since he took over the reins from Tomas Trucha in December 2024.
ALSO READ: Shabana’s SportPesa League woes deepen as AFC Leopards edge them in Gusii
Ambani, the brother of Ingwe’s chairman Boniface Ambani, has a record that is neither poor nor outstanding. Heading into his 31st game in charge, he has lost only three, won 11 and drawn 16 games.
Furthermore, his squad is currently on a 13-match unbeaten streak dating back to last season. Their last defeat was a narrow 1-0 loss to Posta Rangers in April.
Therefore, Ambani will be eager to maintain this positive form and a potential three points could see the team climb to third in the standings, depending on other results.
However, securing a victory on Sunday will be no simple task, as they face a resilient side capable of disappointing any opponent caught off guard.
John Kamau’s charges have been inconsistent in their second season back in the top flight since earning promotion.
They currently sit 10th on the log with seven points from a possible 18, having secured two victories, one draw, and three losses.
Their most recent outing was a 2-0 defeat to Gor Mahia on Thursday at the Moi International Sports Centre.
Therefore, the Slum Boys will be seeking to return to winning ways and spring an upset against the unbeaten Ingwe.
AFC Leopards vs Mathare United Team News
The visitors have not released the names of any injured or sidelined players.
Kamau may consider alterations to his starting eleven, much like he did against Gor. Musa Masika and Paul Kinyanjui, who began on the bench, could be in line for a starting role.
He will also likely rely on Junior Nyawir and Ian Omondi to anchor the defense, while the in-form Brian Ouru is expected to be the engine in midfield.
Despite the midweek loss, midfielder Mohammed Kilume stated that the team remains determined and will continue to fight.
“We have to carry ourselves forward with confidence. We are coming off a loss, but we mustn’t let that dampen our spirits. We have already shown we can win, so we just have to be consistent at it.”
Meanwhile, the hosts have also not clarified any injury concerns.
Ambani must decide whether to make changes to his squad or retain the lineup that started against Shabana, hoping impactful substitutes like Victor Omune and Julius Masaba will deliver once again.
“It seems our luck is finally turning,” Ambani said after the win over Shabana. “The players’ determination on the pitch has deserved these victories. We have performed well in the last two matches, and if we can build on that, I believe we are on the right track.”
AFC Leopards vs Mathare United: Head-to-Head Record and Betting Tips
This will be the third meeting between the two sides since Mathare’s promotion to the top tier last season.
Ingwe dominated both legs last season, securing a 4-0 victory in the first leg before a 3-1 win in the return fixture.
This season, Mathare’s matches have typically featured few goals, with their highest-scoring game being a 2-1 loss to both Kariobangi Sharks and Posta Rangers.
As for Leopards, they have found the net in nearly all of their five matches, failing to score only in a goalless draw with Bandari FC.
Their defense has managed just a single clean sheet, so this match is anticipated to be a highly competitive affair.
Murang’a SEAL vs KCB
Elsewhere, struggling Murang’a SEAL will host KCB at the SportPesa Arena, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM EAT.
SEAL has endured a difficult run this season, managing only four points from a possible 18, which leaves them in 17th place.
They are winless in their last four outings, most recently a 2-2 draw with Posta Rangers.
KCB will also be seeking to return to winning ways after enduring back-to-back losses. They have only managed two victories in their five matches so far, leaving them 12th on the log with six points.