AFC Leopards now sit seven points behind rivals and table-toppers Gor Mahia after narrowly escaping with a 1-0 SportPesa League win over Tusker FC on Sunday evening at Nyayo National Stadium.
Ingwe, who completed a double over the Brewers, needed a second-half strike inspired by Hassan Beja to secure back-to-back victories – their 14th of the season leaving them to second place with 49 points, seven adrift of leaders Gor Mahia on 56 as the title race intensifies.
The match began with early intensity as both teams looked eager to impose themselves. In the second minute, Tusker’s Francis Oduor came under pressure from Samuel Ssenyonjo and conceded the first corner of the game to AFC Leopards.
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AFC Leopards edge Tusker FC 1-0
Tusker responded quickly, and in the fifth minute Thomas Omole missed a clear opportunity after a good build-up involving Stephen Etyang.
Three minutes later, Ssenyonjo almost broke through Tusker’s defensive line but was well tracked by captain Charles Momanyi, who cleared the danger for a corner.
AFC Leopards continued to push forward, and in the 10th minute a well-worked short corner between Samuel Semo and Tyson Otieno nearly punished Tusker, but Randi Bakari failed to keep his effort on target.
The pressure kept mounting as Servyl Akouala conceded another corner in the 21st minute after being pressed by James Kinyanjui.
Moments later, Erick Kapaito lost possession in a dangerous area, allowing Tyson Otieno to launch a quick attack that ended with Ssenyonjo missing from close range after a well-delivered cross by Kinyanjui.
Tusker goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila remained alert throughout the first half, organizing his backline well as Ibrahim Joshua picked up a booking in the 26th minute for a foul on Randi Bakari.
Tusker also had their moments, including a dangerous throw-in that almost gifted Kapaito a goal, while Omole continued to struggle in front of goal, skying another effort in the 31st minute. AFC Leopards captain Mousa Oundo was booked in the 40th minute for an off-the-ball foul on Denis Iguma as the first half ended goalless.
In search of a breakthrough, AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani made a bold double substitution at halftime, introducing Kelly Madada and Hassan Beja in place of Ronald Sichenje and Bonface Munyendo. The changes injected fresh energy into Ingwe, with Tyson Otieno forcing a save from Pavelh Ndzila early in the second half.
AFC Leopards kept pressing, and in the 50th minute James Kinyanjui delivered a dangerous corner that went begging as no one connected cleanly.
Tusker’s best chance came in the 58th minute when Ibrahim Joshua found Erick Kapaito, but his effort was comfortably saved by AFC Leopards goalkeeper James Ssetuba. Minutes later, Chrispine Erambo’s goal-bound cross was also stopped by Ssetuba, who stood firm between the posts.
The game grew increasingly intense as AFC Leopards pushed numbers forward, with Kinyanjui and Tyson Otieno combining well on the flanks. In the 72nd minute, Otieno linked up with captain Victor Omune before his flick was saved by Pavelh Ndzila, who quickly released Kapaito on a counterattack, only for Ssetuba to rush out and clear the danger.
AFC Leopards’ persistence finally paid off in the 81st minute when a goalmouth scramble fell kindly to Hassan Beja, who calmly slotted home the winner to send the Ingwe faithful into celebration. The Leopards held on in the closing minutes to secure maximum points and complete a league double over Tusker FC, strengthening their title push while narrowing the gap on leaders Gor Mahia.
AFC Leopards vs Tusker FC SportPesa League lineups
- AFC Leopards Starting XI: James Ssetuba, Fredrick Alushula, Randi Bakari, Lasso Coulibaly, Samuel Semo, Mousa Oundo, Tyson Otieno, Bonface Munyendo, James Kinyanjui, Samuel Ssenyonjo, Ronald Bebeto.
- Tusker FC Starting XI: Pavelh Ndzila, Collins Odhiambo, Servyl Akouala, Charles Momanyi, Francis Oduor, Denis Iguma, Stephen Etyang, Chrispine Erambo, Erick Kapaito, Ibrahim Joshua, Thomas Omole.
SportPesa League Round 25 Sunday recap
Meanwhile, after going nine matches without a taste of victory, Ulinzi Stars finally broke that slump by flooring Nairobi United 2-1 at Police Sacco Stadium.
Boniface Muchiri broke the deadlock for the soldiers just five minutes into the game, while Paul Okoth ended his scoring drought by doubling their lead in the 68th minute. Benson Omalla pulled one back four minutes later, but it wasn’t enough for the hosts to claim maximum points.
Ulinzi, who occupy a dangerous 15th spot, at least gave themselves some breathing space above the relegation zone.
The win ensures they gather crucial momentum ahead of their upcoming fixtures as they fight to avoid the drop.
For Nairobi United, it’s back-to-back losses, having also suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to AFC Leopards in a rescheduled midweek fixture.
In other matches, Mathare United held Murang’a SEAL to a 1-1 draw at SportPesa Arena, with Brian Ouru canceling out Michael Macharia’s goal both strikes coming in the second half.
For Kakamega Homeboyz, things are going from bad to worse after they were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Bandari FC at Bukhungu Stadium.
Meanwhile, Jackson Macharia bagged a brace to secure a vital three points for Posta Rangers against Kariobangi Sharks, who saw their in-form player Humphrey Aroko score a consolation in a 2-1 loss.