Leopards Roar Past Shabana in Title Statement

AFC Leopards sent a strong warning to their title rivals after dismantling Shabana FC 5-1 in a high-octane FKF Premier League clash at Nyayo National Stadium.

In a fixture billed as a heavyweight battle near the summit, it was Ingwe who ultimately turned the evening into a one-sided statement, showcasing clinical finishing and relentless control.

Shabana actually made the brighter start. Inside two minutes, Mambote Assis forced Leopards goalkeeper Levis Ssettuba into an early save, briefly hinting at the visitors’ attacking intent.

But once AFC Leopards settled into their rhythm, there was only one team in control.

The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute through a well-worked set piece. James Kinyanjui’s composed assist found Samuel Semo in space, and the midfielder calmly slotted home to ignite the home crowd.

With the opener secured, Ingwe tightened their grip on proceedings, dominating possession and cutting off Shabana’s forward supply lines.

Their pressure yielded a second goal deep into first-half stoppage time. Ronald Sichenje delivered a perfectly weighted ball into the danger area, and Tyson Otieno kept his composure to finish neatly and hand Leopards a comfortable 2-0 advantage at the interval.

The hosts resumed the second half on the front foot. Victor Omune nearly extended the lead ten minutes after the restart but saw his effort drift narrowly wide as Leopards continued to stretch the Shabana backline.

Shabana briefly threatened to spark a comeback in the 63rd minute when Wycliffe Awiko pulled one back, offering the travelling side a glimmer of hope.

That hope did not last long.

Five minutes later, Samuel Ssenyonjo restored Leopards’ cushion with a clinical finish to make it 3-1. Shortly after the goal, the match experienced a brief stoppage following unrest in the stands, but the interruption did little to slow Ingwe’s momentum.

Once play resumed, the home side stepped up another gear. Kayci Odhiambo struck in the 70th minute to stretch the lead to 4-1, effectively putting the contest beyond reach.

Ssenyonjo then completed the rout just four minutes later, grabbing his second of the night with a tidy finish to seal an emphatic 5-1 victory and cap a memorable performance for the hosts.

The result sees AFC Leopards move to 43 points in second place, trimming Gor Mahia’s lead at the summit to six. Shabana remain third on 40 points, still three ahead of defending champions Kenya Police.

In the heat of the title race, Ingwe have made their intentions unmistakably clear.