- Kenya Police FC secure first-ever win over AFC Leopards since promotion, dealing a blow to Ingwe’s SportPesa League title hopes.
- Police cruised to a 3–0 victory, with first-half dominance sealed by goals from Yves Koutiama, Eric Zakayo, and Charles Ouma on Saturday, April 18 at Nyayo Stadium.
- Ingwe remain second, two points behind Gor Mahia, and will be hoping Gor drop points against Bandari on Sunday ahead of next weekend’s Mashemeji Derby.
AFC Leopards’ bid for a first SportPesa League title in over two decades suffered a major setback as a dominant first-half 3–0 display by Kenya Police FC handed them their first-ever league victory over Ingwe since their promotion in 2021.
That defeat meant the hosts could not reclaim the top spot for a while, as they were set to go a point above the leaders Gor Mahia, who currently top the table with 57 points. Now Ingwe will have to settle for second place with 55 points.
That loss will stick with them heading into their highly anticipated 99th Mashemeji Derby, which they will host K’Ogalo next weekend at Nyayo Stadium. The title race gap could stretch to five points if Gor win their Sunday clash against Bandari FC.
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Kenya Police FC secure first-ever win over AFC Leopards since promotion
At Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, a defensive lapse in the fifth minute saw Rami Koulibaly slide and miss the ball at his feet, allowing Yves Koutiama to pick up the deflection.
The backline was left wide open for the Burkina Faso international to race through and slot home the opener, handing the Law Enforcers the lead.
Police, who had the upper hand in possession, created another chance in the 26th minute. James Ssetuba managed to save the day from conceding a second through Oliver Mang’eni with a solid shot.
However, Ingwe’s defense was tested again on a counter-attack just past the half-hour mark. The Law Enforcers quickly seized the ball from a poor Ingwe free kick, worked it to the right wing, where Daniel Sakari volleyed a great ball to the left side.
Eric Zakayo was there and made no mistake, slotting home Police’s second as Ingwe rued their defensive lapses.
Coach Fred Ambani had no option but to make a change four minutes later, Koulibaly was subbed off for Kayci Odhimabo. Despite Yves Koutiama later being stretchered off with an injury, it was Police who extended their lead.
The same Ingwe defense that had not conceded in their previous four matches saw the third goal come through Charles Ouma from a corner.
Zakayo floated the ball in, it landed to Ssenyonjo Samwel, whose clearance fell straight to Ouma, who made no mistake to make it three before halftime.
In the second half, Police settled deep and defended solidly. That did n0t work well for Ingwe, who looked weak on the wings and at the back, any chances they created were snuffed out.
Ingwe’s title charge took a massive hit, and they also lost their first match in nine games since Police were promoted in 2021.
That means they will now be hoping Bandari can upset rivals and table-toppers Gor Mahia on Sunday ahead of the Mashemeji Derby on April 26.
AFC Leopards vs Kenya Police Sportpesa League lineups
- AFC Leopards: James Ssetuba, Fredrick Alushula, Samuel Semo, Randy Bakari, Rami Coulibaly, Mousa Oundo, Kelly Madada, Tyson Otieno, Hassan Beja, Ronald Sichenje.
- Police: Daniel Ogembo, Daniel Sakari, Harnest Malonga, Kevin Ouma, Aboud Omar, Charles Ouma, Nana Asante, Marvin Nabwire, Eric Zakayo, Yves Koutiama, Alvin Mang’eni.