AFC Leopards suffered a damaging 4-1 defeat to Mathare United in an FKF Premier League clash that could have major implications in the title race, with Ingwe currently chasing rivals Gor Mahia F.C. at the top of the table.
Leopards came into the match knowing that every point matters as they attempt to keep pace with K’Ogalo. Still, a dramatic late collapse saw them surrender a promising position and hand Mathare an emphatic victory.
Bright Start but Missed Opportunities
Mathare created the first chance in the 5th minute when striker Clifford Makwata capitalized on a half clearance from the Leopards’ defence. However, his effort sailed wide of the target.
As the half progressed, Leopards grew more confident and began controlling possession, carving out several attacking moves. Despite enjoying more of the ball, Ingwe struggled to test the Mathare defence seriously.
The clearest opportunity of the first half fell to Kevin Kimani Asieche in the 25th minute when a cross from the left found him unmarked inside the penalty area. His effort looked dangerous, but the Leopards’ goalkeeper reacted well to parry the ball away for a corner.
Leopards nearly grabbed the lead late in the half when Sydney Omune attempted to connect with a cross delivered by Christopher Alushula, but he failed to make contact and the chance went begging.
Mathare thought they had scored just before the break when Makwata found the net, but the assistant referee ruled the goal out for offside.
Omune Gives Leopards Hope
After the restart, Leopards continued pressing forward and were rewarded in the 59th minute when Omune finally broke the deadlock.
The striker reacted quickest inside the box to score and give Ingwe a crucial 1-0 lead — a goal that seemed set to keep them firmly in the chase for the league title.
However, the lead would prove short-lived.
Mathare Turn the Game Around
Mathare equalized in the 77th minute when a cross from Daniel Kinyanjui confused the Leopards’ defence. Goalkeeper Kevin Ouru took advantage of the loose ball and scored to make it 1-1.
Just minutes later, Ouru struck again to give Mathare a shocking 2-1 lead, leaving the Leopards’ defence stunned.
With Ingwe pushing forward in search of an equalizer, Mathare exploited the spaces at the back. In the 87th minute, Austin Omweri produced a brilliant finish to extend the lead to 3-1.
Deep into stoppage time, James Omondi Mawaya completed the rout with Mathare’s fourth goal, sealing a memorable comeback victory.
Blow to Title Aspirations
For Leopards, the defeat represents a major setback in their pursuit of the league crown. With Gor Mahia F.C. also fighting for the title, dropped points at this stage of the season could prove costly.
What appeared to be a routine victory after Omune’s opener quickly turned into a nightmare for Ingwe as Mathare scored four goals in the final stages to claim all three points.
The result intensifies the pressure on Leopards as the title race heats up, and hands their rivals Gor Mahia a potential advantage in the battle for FKF Premier League supremacy.
