FKFPL: AFC Leopards reclaim top spot after downing big-spending Nairobi United

AFC Leopards reclaimed their lead on top of the FKF Premier League standings after seeing out stubborn Nairobi United 2-0 at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday, 7 January.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Ingwe, who over the weekend slipped down the pecking order after being stunned by Kakamega Homeboyz, were back to their best behaviour as they dominated their opponents, before scoring in either half to climb back to a familiar position they famously held through the festive break.

Carrying five changes to the side that fell 1-0 to Abana Beingo on Sunday, Fred Ambani’s side took the lead in the 19th minute, when Nairobi United’s Michael Karamor turned a Tyson Otieno corner into his own net.

A period of dominance from the visitors was later rewarded with 20 minutes left on the clock, when young midfielder Kelly Madada collected a pass from Samuel Ssenyonjo, before sneaking past an on-rushing Ernest Mohamed.

Shabana head coach on how Mwalala's exit cost them against Nairobi United

The strike, which was wildly celebrated by the players, capped a decent afternoon from Ingwe, who in the face of their recent setback, stood strong to overwhelm a side that had gained a reputation of slaying the big boys.

A seventh win for AFC Leopards this season took them a point above arch-rivals Gor Mahia on 27, while Naibois, who saw one of their new mid-season signings Roy Okal make his debut, remained ninth with 19 points.

Match Report

Days after suffering a damning reality-check at home in the Ingo Derby, AFC Leopards became the laughing stock in town, and the five changes to their lineup pointed to a team that was out to bring back smiles to the fanbase.

Just inside the first two minutes, Ingwe carved out a big chance when Ssenyonjo was sent clear, but the Ugandan, with only the keeper to beat, opted to pass backwards, wasting the chance.

It did not take long, however, for Ambani’s side to grab the advantage, as Otieno’s curling corner kick from the left bounced off Karamor and past Mohammed.

The goal, though fortunate, came after a period in which Leopards had bossed possession, with their only hiccup being an Enock Machaka header that went over Humphrey Katasi’s goal.

Victor Otieno nearly added a second for Ingwe shortly after the hour-mark, but shot straight at Mohammed, before being flagged for a late offside.

After the break, Leopards carried on with their advantage, and should have doubled the lead when Ronald Sichenje made a quick counter on the left, but shot across goal, this despite Ssenyonjo being in a more promising position to tap home.

That missed chance eventually went unpunished as star player Madada lived up to his hype with a timely strike in the 70th minute to ice the game.

His goal came after Ssenyonjo cut inside the box, before setting up the youngster to toe-poke past Mohammed after taking a comfortable first touch.

Gor Mahia head coach reveals surprise tactic that downed Kariobangi Sharks

Ambani’s side still had to see out the game, and showed effective game management even while debutant Okal and substitute Shami Mwinyi threatened a goal back in the closing minutes.

By that time, the AFC Leopards fanbase was already up on its feet in celebration, their team having successfully brought forth their first smiles of 2026.