AFC Leopards Fall Short Again

AFC Leopards’ dream of ending their lengthy FKF Premier League title drought came crashing down on Sunday after a damaging 2-1 defeat away to APS Bomet officially handed Gor Mahia the championship.

Ingwe travelled to Kericho Green Stadium knowing only victory would keep their fading hopes alive heading into the final matchday, but Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo’s side delivered another statement performance to end Leopards’ challenge.

The defeat leaves AFC Leopards on 64 points with one match remaining, four behind champions Gor Mahia, who secured a record-extending 22nd league title without even playing.

For Leopards fans, it was another painful chapter in a title drought stretching for more than two decades despite one of the club’s strongest campaigns in recent years.

Ingwe had pushed Gor Mahia deep into the season and briefly looked capable of producing a genuine title upset, but inconsistency during crucial moments eventually proved costly.

Against APS Bomet, Tomas Trucha’s men struggled to impose themselves despite entering the match under immense pressure to win.

The first half remained cagey, although Tyson Otieno nearly gave Leopards the lead shortly before the break only to be denied by Maxwell Mulili.

APS Bomet returned for the second half with greater intensity and punished Leopards with devastating counterattacks.

Phillip Wasai opened the scoring in the 58th minute after capitalising on a loose moment from Kelly Madada before curling his effort beyond Humphrey Katasi.

Four minutes later, Wasai struck again. Festus Kipkemoi delivered a dangerous ball into the area and the forward rose highest to head home his second goal of the afternoon, leaving Ingwe stunned.

Leopards pulled one back late through an own goal from Edward Masembe, but the visitors could not find the equaliser they desperately needed.

The loss not only ended their title hopes but also highlighted the narrow margins that separated the two Kenyan giants throughout the season.

Despite missing out on the championship, AFC Leopards can still take positives from their campaign.

The club remained competitive for most of the season and re-established themselves among the league’s strongest sides after years of inconsistency.

Their involvement in a genuine title race against Gor Mahia also reignited excitement around the Mashemeji Derby and brought renewed attention to the FKF Premier League.

However, questions will now be asked about whether Leopards can maintain their momentum next season and finally build a squad capable of ending their long wait for domestic glory.

Meanwhile, APS Bomet continued their remarkable rise with the victory extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches, including eight consecutive wins.

For Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards’ defeat sparked celebrations among players and supporters after K’Ogalo reclaimed the title they lost to Kenya Police last season.

The Green Army are now set to represent Kenya in next season’s CAF Champions League after once again finishing as the country’s top club.