AFC Leopards kept their title hopes alive after securing a crucial 2-0 victory over Murang’a SEAL at Nyayo National Stadium, thanks to second-half goals from Ronald Sichenje and Hassan Beja in an entertaining SportPesa League encounter played on Sunday afternoon.
Ingwe came into the match knowing that only maximum points would keep them within touching distance of their arch-rivals Gor Mahia in the title race, and they rose to the occasion with a disciplined and determined performance. The win sees AFC Leopards reduce the gap at the top to just two points, setting up an exciting finish to the season.
Murang’a SEAL started brightly and registered the first attempt of the match in the sixth minute when Owen Pala unleashed a neat long-range effort that went straight into the hands of AFC Leopards goalkeeper James Ssetuba.
Ingwe responded moments later through James Kinyanjui, whose explosive run down the right flank produced a dangerous delivery that narrowly missed Samuel Ssenyonjo’s header.
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AFC Leopards revive title talk after beating Murang’a Seal
AFC Leopards continued to threaten, with Tyson Otieno gliding past his marker in the 11th minute but failing to deliver a timely cutback to Ssenyonjo as the ball rolled out for a corner.
The visitors were moving the ball with confidence, with Samuel Semo showing flashes of brilliance in midfield, though Murang’a SEAL remained organized at the back.
Victor Haki tried to drive Murang’a SEAL forward in the 21st minute, but his pass was cut out by Coulibaly Laso, while Bebeto Sichenje later failed to capitalize on a well-delivered cross from Kinyanjui, skying his effort over the bar in the 24th minute.
Murang’a SEAL had their chances from set pieces, with Owen Pala and Joe Waithira testing the AFC Leopards defense, but Ssetuba remained alert between the posts.
The first half ended goalless, with both sides showing intent but lacking the final touch in front of goal.
AFC Leopards returned from the break with renewed energy, launching two quick attacks within the opening two minutes of the second half, both spearheaded by Tyson Otieno, but Murang’a SEAL goalkeeper Ongiri stood firm to keep the scores level. Defender Paul Ngugi also made a crucial clearance in the 49th minute to deny Kinyanjui’s dangerous cross.
The breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute when Samuel Ssenyonjo produced a brilliant hold-up play before laying the ball to Ronald Sichenje, who calmly slotted home to give AFC Leopards the lead and ignite celebrations among the Ingwe faithful.
Murang’a SEAL were handed a golden chance to equalize in the 65th minute after Joe Waithira was brought down in the penalty area by Coulibaly, but Ssetuba produced a stunning save to deny Waithira from the spot.
AFC Leopards immediately launched a counterattack, only for Ongiri to pull off a fine one-on-one save against Kinyanjui.
Coach Fred Ambani later made a tactical double substitution, introducing Hassan Beja and Brian Nyongesa for Ronald Sichenje and Fredrick Alushula, a move that proved decisive.
In the 83rd minute, Kinyanjui delivered a perfect cross from the right wing, and Beja met it acrobatically to send the ball into the back of the net and seal the victory.
AFC Leopards nearly added a third in the 90th minute when Kelly Madada beat Paul Ngugi before unleashing a powerful shot that narrowly missed the target. Samuel Semo was later replaced by Vincent Mahiga as Ingwe comfortably managed the closing stages to secure all three points.
The victory keeps AFC Leopards firmly in the title race as they continue to pile pressure on Gor Mahia in the closing weeks of the season.
Murang’a SEAL vs AFC Leopards Starting Line-up
- Murang’a SEAL XI: Ongiri, Otieno, Munyovi, Ngugi, Telvin, Price, Owen, Waithira, Maina, Macharia, Haki.
- AFC Leopards XI: Ssetuba, Alushula, Bakari, Coulibaly, Semo, Oundo, Tyson Otieno, Madada, James Kinyanjui, Sichenje, Ssenyonjo.