'Leta tepo' merchants AFC Leopards reclaim top spot after stoppage time comeback over APS Bomet

They say champions carry a killer instinct, the kind that shows itself when hope is fading and time is running out.

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On Saturday evening at Nyayo Stadium, AFC Leopards offered fresh evidence of that belief, producing a breathtaking late surge to stun APS Bomet 2-1 and climb to the top of the FKF Premier League table.

For long spells, the Black Berets looked set to wear the giant killers' crown, frustrating Ingwe with stubborn defending and calculated counterattacks.

The visitors even thought they had done enough to silence the blue half of Nyayo Stadium when substitute Philip Wasai struck in the 84th minute, finishing calmly after a moment of hesitation in Leopards midfield.

But just when the evening threatened to turn cruel, Ingwe roared back.

Deep in stoppage time, Christopher Koloti picked up a loose ball inside the area and fired past Bob Cetric to drag the hosts level, sending the stadium into a frenzy.

Seconds later, the comeback was complete. Kayci Odhiambo won possession, fed Kelly Madada, who danced past two defenders before the ball broke kindly for Ronald Bebeto, the midfielder stabbing home the winner to seal an unforgettable evening for Ingwe

The victory lifts Leopards to the summit with 33 points, three clear of arch rivals Gor Mahia, while APS Bomet remain 16th on 14 points, now winless in five matches under Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo.

Leopards had come into the match chasing their first run of three straight wins since November 2025, following victories over Nairobi United and Tusker FC, and they now possess momentum on their side in a season their fans are beginning to whisper could be special.

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Match Report

APS started the match with early intent, moving the ball quickly and asking questions of the AFC Leopards backline in the opening minutes.

The visitors looked lively in midfield, forcing Ingwe to defend deep before gradually finding their rhythm.

As Leopards grew into the contest, their full-backs Brian Ojok and Samuel Semo began to push higher up the pitch, making well-timed overlapping runs that stretched Bomet and helped shift the momentum in favour of the hosts.

The Big Cats soon took control, playing fluid football through the wings with James Kinyanjui and Tyson Otieno causing constant discomfort to the Bomet defence led by Chris Wilunda.

Chances followed in quick succession, but the finishing touch deserted Ingwe. In the 28th minute, Bomet briefly threatened to spoil the party when Rodgers Kipkemoi released Maxwell Kubasu, but his header landed safely in the hands of Humphrey Katasi.

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Moments later, Leopards carved open the defence in style as Kinyanjui danced down the left and fired a teasing ball across goal, beating goalkeeper Bob Cetric, only for Ssenyonjo to miss the simple tap-in at the far post.

Leopards continued to knock, with Ssenyonjo and Kinyanjui a constant thorn in Bomet’s flesh, yet the net refused to buldge.

As the half wore on, Bomet grew in confidence, especially in midfield, slowing the tempo and limiting clear openings.

The half ended on a sour note for Ingwe when Kinyanjui was fouled from behind by Antony Naibei in added time, forcing Fred Ambani's charges to briefly finish the half with ten men as the winger received medical attention, the scoreline still goalless despite their dominance.

Second half

The second half began with Bomet making an early change, Hillary Wandera making way for Brian Bulleti, as both sides opened up in search of a breakthrough.

To the relief of Ingwe supporters, Kinyanjui, who had taken a knock before the break, returned for the final 45 minutes and continued to torment the left flank.

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Leopards nearly unlocked the defence in the 50th minute from a promising free kick, but Samuel Ssenyonjo arrived a fraction late to meet Kayci Odhiambo’s delivery.

Bomet responded with intent, Naibei forcing Katasi into a full-stretch save with a thunderous long-range effort that brought the crowd to its feet.

In the 57th minute, Ingwe carved open their clearest chance of the half.

Madada won possession in midfield and released Tyson, who cut inside and curled a beautiful effort that drifted inches wide, drawing groans from the stands.

Coach Ambani rang the changes just before the hour mark, introducing Victor Otieno and Julius Masaba for Ojok and Kinyanjui.

The match then slipped into a scrappy phase, both teams chasing control but producing more urgency than clarity.

Otieno wasted a half-chance for Ingwe, while Bomet freshened their legs in search of a decisive break.

Leopards kept knocking, Tyson seeing shot after shot blocked by a wall of Bomet bodies, before dragging another effort wide in the 73rd minute.

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With time running out, Ingwe threw on Victor Omune to lead the line, replacing Ssenyonjo in a final roll of the dice.

Then came the twist. A loose moment in midfield allowed Maxwell Kubasu to slip a pass through to Wasai, who made no mistake, silencing Nyayo and leaving Leopards staring at defeat.

But football, as ever, has a cruel sense of humour. Ingwe refused to fold, and in the dying seconds, they turned despair into delirium, reminding everyone why champions are never truly beaten until the final whistle.

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Tusker 1-2 Bandari

Elsewhere, Tusker’s struggles in the new year continued after a 2-1 defeat to Bandari at Kasarani Annex.

Geoffrey Ojunga opened the scoring before Fabian Adikiny levelled, but Ahmed Mubarak restored Bandari’s lead, the Dockers holding on for all three points.