- Here is the AFC Leopards 2025 review, highlighting what has been a defining year for the club.
- One of the key milestones was the election of a new chairperson, Boniface Ambani.
- Meanwhile, Ingwe finished the year on top of the SportPesa League table, suffering just four defeats.
As the curtains prepare to rise on a new year, one SportPesa League team finds itself at a defining moment, quietly hopeful and determined to build on the promise and belief that grew during an encouraging 2025.
That team can only be AFC Leopards whose has quietly seen its Den flowers bloom this year.
While some may overlook it as not a rapid transformation, this steady progress is instilling a glimmer of hope in their loyal fans, who have waited for over two decades to win the SportPesa League title.
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Yes, two decades.
Since they last opened the trophy cabinet to make space for their 12th top-flight title in 1998, that cabinet has remained shut, gathering dust and memories. No silverware has been added since.
However, this year, almost everything seems to have gone their way. If fortune smiles on them again in 2026 and they replicate what they achieved in 2025, the long-standing drought could finally come to an end.
ALSO READ: AFC Leopards SC 2025-26 season- Club profile, stats, squad, fixtures, results, and table& standings.
From topping the SportPesa League table 25/26, to the election of a new chairman, defeating Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby, and Fred Ambani’s promising run since taking charge, here is a look at AFC Leopards’ blossoming 2025 season and the key changes behind it.
AFC Leopards 2025 review
Boniface Ambani elected as AFC Leopards chairperson
On Sunday, June 29, Ingwe elected a new chairperson.
Boniface Ambani won the race, with the former Harambee Stars player garnering 1,101 votes, comfortably ahead of his competitor Enos Mutokah, who secured 647 votes.
Ambani took over from Dan Shikanda, whose six-year, two-term tenure had concluded.
ALSO READ: Bonface Ambani elected new AFC Leopards Chairman
In the six months since this change of guard in the Den, much remains in flux.
The new chairperson is still aligning his team and has at times pointed to the previous administration, alleging dubious signings, unpaid players, and unresolved debts and legal battles that his current team is now addressing.
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Recently, Ambani stated they are building a squad capable of winning titles and expressed confidence that the light at the end of the tunnel is becoming visible.
Since his appointment, results have begun to speak, backed by astute signings in last summer’s transfer window- including the acquisition of speedy winger James Kinyanjui.
AFC Leopards in 2025: Unnoticeable but gradual progress, finishing the year top of the table
2025 has been a season where AFC Leopards have produced respectable, if not spectacular, results – but they are consistently improving.
This year alone, they have played 33 matches across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 SportPesa League seasons.
In that span, they have suffered only four defeats, won 12 matches, and drawn 17.
Notably, in their most recent 21 matches stretching into last season, Ingwe have lost just once – a 2–0 defeat to Mara Sugar, while winning nine and drawing 11 in that run.
AFC Leopards ended the year at the top of the SportPesa League table after 13 matches, level on 24 points with Tusker FC.
They will enter their next match in January on a six-game unbeaten streak (3 wins, 3 draws).
ALSO READ: AFC Leopards beat Bidco United to climb joint top of the SportPesa League table
These results reflect their growth compared to the same period last season, when they were fifth with 23 points after 15 rounds.
This season’s league is more competitive; at this stage last year, Tusker led with 30 points after 15 games, making Ingwe’s current position with two games in hand on some teams – all the more promising.
AFC Leopards 2025 Matches
- Played – 33
- Won – 12
- Draw – 17
- Lost – 4
Is Fred Ambani the man to lead Ingwe to the promised land?
For over two decades, many “Moses figures” have tried and failed to lead Ingwe to the promised land.
Yet there is something quietly reassuring about Fred Ambani, who may just turn out to be the Joshua who completes the journey.
It is significant that since the brother of Boniface Ambani took the reins last December from Thomas Trucha, performances have been steadily convincing, if not always flawless.
So far, Ambani has overseen 38 matches, losing only four, winning 14, and drawing 20 – a record that marks him as a potential savior.
He was part of the last AFC Leopards squad to win the title in 1998, and now he could be the one to end the long wait.
Perhaps it is only a matter of time for the soft-spoken gaffer.
Fred Ambani Since Taking Over in December 2024
- Matches – 38
- Won – 14
- Draw – 20
- Lost – 4
Ingwe rule Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby 2025
No review of Ingwe’s 2025 would be complete without mentioning their clashes with arch-rivals Gor Mahia.
Due to a postponement last season, the Mashemeji Derby was played three times this year: both legs of the previous season and the first leg of this campaign.
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Contrary to recent history, Ingwe have reasserted themselves, remaining unbeaten across those fixtures.
Last season, both derbies ended level – a goalless draw at Nyayo and a 1–1 stalemate in Homa Bay.
The standout moment came when Ingwe cemented their status as genuine title contenders by winning the first leg of the current season at Nyayo National Stadium.
Julius Masaba’s solitary strike secured a memorable victory over Gor Mahia, a side that had tormented Ingwe in recent years.
The win also preserved Fred Ambani’s unbeaten record against K’Ogalo, stretching back to his playing days.
All told, 2025 has been an exceptional run for Ingwe.
Topping the table is a signal of what they must maintain in 2026, with fans hopeful that this time, silverware will finally bear their name.