AFC Leopards delivered a statement performance to reclaim first place in the SportPesa League (FKF Premier League), beating Nairobi United 2-0 in a disciplined display.
The win saw them topple their eternal rivals, Gor Mahia, from the summit of the league just a day after K’Ogalo celebrated returning to the summit, setting up what appears to be one of the most exciting title races in recent years.
Under the floodlights at historic Nyayo National Stadium, Ingwe showed poise and tactical discipline, bouncing back from a narrow 1-0 loss at Kakamega Homeboyz earlier this month that had momentarily stalled their momentum.
The first breakthrough came via unfortunate circumstances for Nairobi United, who conceded an own goal in the first half, handing Leopards the initiative. The goal exemplified Leopards’ pressure and territorial control throughout the early stages.
Leopards then doubled their advantage in the 70th minute through a composed strike from Kelly Madada, who capitalised on sharp interplay and incisive movement to breach the United defence and effectively seal the contest.
Coach Fred Ambani’s tactical tweaks paid dividends, with vital changes in personnel reshaping Leopards’ attacking balance after their midweek defeat last weekend.
With this result, AFC Leopards now sit atop the FKF Premier League standings with 27 points from 15 games, carving out a one-point lead over bitter rivals Gor Mahia, who have two matches in hand.
The victory not only reinstates Leopards as serious title contenders but also tightens the championship race with heavyweights like Tusker and Gor Mahia still in close pursuit. Leopards travel to face Tusker FC this Saturday in what now looms as a key title-race fixture before Gor Mahia’s Sunday outing against Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium.
Nairobi United, brimming with confidence after a 3-1 win over Shabana in their prior league fixture, ultimately couldn’t translate that form into their first top-flight victory against Leopards. The defeat leaves them in mid-table limbo, poised for a response in their upcoming matches.
This win signals the resurgence of Leopards after a season marked by inconsistency – including earlier stalemates and squad challenges – and positions them as an authentic threat for the title for the first time in recent campaigns.
Their journey this campaign has featured tactical evolution and personnel shifts, as Ambani continues to look for the ideal balance between defensive solidity and attacking creativity. Recent results suggest his methods are beginning to gel at the right stage of the season.
As Leopards look to build on today’s result, fans and pundits alike will watch closely whether this win can catalyse a sustained title push – a quest that has eluded them for years amid competition from Gor Mahia, Kenya Police, and Tusker.
Next up, Leopards face Tusker FC away, a fixture that could define the early shape of the championship race, underscoring the tight margins and high stakes in the 2025/26 SportPesa League.
