AFC Leopards have been dealt a major injury setback after confirming that striker Elias Mugane will miss the remainder of the 2024/25 season following a serious knee injury that required surgery.
The forward, who joined Ingwe at the start of the campaign, is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with his return to competitive football projected for the 2026/27 SportPesa League season.
Mugane sustained the injury during a training session, and subsequent medical examinations revealed extensive damage to his knee.
According to the club, the striker suffered a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament complex, and a Grade 3 tear of the medial meniscus.
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He underwent successful surgery on 9th December, but the severity of the injury has ruled him out for the rest of the season.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for the striker, who had only recently joined AFC Leopards from National Super League side Fortune Sacco at the beginning of the season.
At Fortune Sacco, Mugane had enjoyed an impressive campaign, finishing as the joint top scorer in the NSL, a run of form that earned him a move to one of the country’s biggest clubs.
However, despite the promise he showed before his move, Mugane had yet to fully leave his mark at AFC Leopards. Limited game time, competition for places and now injury have prevented the forward from reproducing the scoring form that made him one of the most sought-after attackers outside the topflight.
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Blow to AFC Leopards
His setback will be disappointing both for the player and the club, who had hoped he would play a key role as the season progressed.
In a club statement released ahead of their first fixture of the year, AFC Leopards confirmed that the squad has returned to training in preparation for their clash against Kakamega Homeboys on 4th January 2026 at Nyayo National Stadium.
The statement also highlighted growing injury concerns within the squad.
“Elias Mugane had a complete Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture and a partial tear of the Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex, alongside a Grade 3 tear of the medial meniscus. He underwent surgery on 9th December and will be out for the remainder of the season,” the club confirmed.
Leopards also revealed that left-back Vincent Mahiga is currently sidelined after suffering an ankle injury during their SportPesa League match against Kariobangi Sharks at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
The defender is awaiting further medical assessments to determine the extent of the injury.
There was some positive news, however, as midfielder Fredrick Alushula has resumed training after a long layoff following knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
Despite the injury concerns, Ingwe remain top of the SportPesa League table and will be keen to maintain their momentum as the season enters a crucial phase.
For Mugane, the focus now turns to recovery and rehabilitation, with hopes that he will return stronger and finally get the opportunity to showcase his full potential in Leopards colours.
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