Leopards Roar Past Mathare with Dominant 3-1 Win

AFC Leopards delivered an emphatic 3-1 victory over Mathare United on the afternoon of May 14, 2025, in a match that showcased their growing confidence and cohesion under Coach Fred Ambani. From the first whistle, the Leopards looked the sharper of the two sides, pressing high and controlling possession with intent.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute, when a Ronald Sichenje free kick forced a spill from the Mathare goalkeeper. Kayci Odhiambo reacted quickest, slotting home the opener from close range. Just six minutes later, Odhiambo was back on the scoresheet, this time finishing off a beautifully worked move involving Brian Wanyama. The young midfielder timed his run perfectly to meet Wanyama’s pass and coolly placed the ball into the net, giving Leopards a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

Mathare struggled to find their rhythm in the first half and were largely limited to speculative efforts. The Leopards’ defense, marshaled confidently at the back, ensured any threat was quickly neutralized. Midfield duo Koloti and Wanyama dictated the tempo, linking play smoothly and setting up chances with sharp passes and clever movement.

In the second half, Mathare showed more urgency, but it was Leopards who nearly added to their tally through substitute Maxwell Otieno, who brought fresh energy after replacing Koloti in the 66th minute. Despite some late pressure, Mathare managed to pull one goal back in the 86th minute, threatening to make a game of it.

However, any hopes of a late equalizer were dashed in stoppage time. Ronald Sichenje capped a commanding performance with a sensational goal a thunderous strike from outside the box that left the keeper rooted. It was a fitting end to a match dominated by the home side and a reminder of the quality the Leopards possess across the pitch.

Coach Fred Ambani’s decisions paid off, with every substitution adding stability and threat. Julius Masaba and Kevin Kimani came on late to help see out the match, ensuring that the team maintained its intensity until the final whistle.

This vital win sees AFC Leopards move to 6th place on the league table with 45 points from 30 matches. With 11 wins, 12 draws, and 7 losses, the Leopards now sit just six points behind 4th-placed Shabana and remain well within reach of the top five. Their recent form two wins, two draws, and one loss in the last five matches—signals growing consistency at a crucial stage of the season.

Meanwhile, Mathare United drop to 11th place with 37 points and a concerning -15 goal difference. Their recent struggles, having lost three of their last five games, underline the growing pressure on their campaign.

As the league enters its final stretch, AFC Leopards’ faithful will be hopeful that this momentum carries forward into the coming fixtures. With the defense tightening, midfield creativity shining, and goal-scoring form returning, the Ingwe roar is beginning to echo louder in the race for the top spots.