Semo strike sends AFC Leopards top after gritty Bidco win

AFC Leopards wrapped up their FKF Premier League year on a high after edging past Bidco United 1-0 in a tense Round 15 encounter played on Tuesday afternoon at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Ingwe came into the match determined to turn their numerous draws into wins and keep pace in a tightly contested title race. Bidco United, struggling for consistency, were equally desperate for points as they hovered dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Leopards started brightly and nearly took an early lead in the third minute when Victor Omune attempted an ambitious overhead kick from a corner, but the effort drifted wide. The early pressure signalled intent from Fred Ambani’s side, who controlled large spells of the opening half.

The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute through a moment of real quality. Julius Masaba delivered a precise pass into the box and Samuel Semo met it with a composed finish past the Bidco goalkeeper to score his first goal for the club and give Ingwe a deserved lead.

Leopards went into the break ahead, with Semo’s strike proving the difference at halftime, but the contest was far from settled.

Bidco emerged with renewed energy in the second half and pushed hard for an equaliser. Goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi was called into action in the 57th minute, producing an excellent one-on-one save to preserve Leopards’ slim advantage.

As pressure mounted, Leopards relied on disciplined defending and smart game management. Ambani turned to his bench, introducing Victor Otieno and Ronald Sichenje in the 69th minute, before Kelly Madada followed soon after to shore up midfield.

Victor Otieno nearly doubled the lead late on with a long-range effort that went just off target, but Ingwe remained composed and comfortably saw out the closing stages. A late substitution that saw Kennedy Owino replace Bonface Munyendo helped shut the door on any final Bidco surge.

The victory extended AFC Leopards’ unbeaten run to six matches and sent them top of the FKF Premier League standings on 24 points, level with Tusker FC but ahead on goal difference as the league heads into a two-week break.

For Leopards supporters, sitting top of the table is a welcome sight. The 12-time champions have now lost just once all season and have collected seven points from their last three matches, including wins over Gor Mahia and Bidco United.

With Fred Ambani, the last coach to guide the club to a league title in 1998, at the helm, belief is steadily growing that Ingwe could finally end their long wait for domestic glory.

Bidco United’s struggles, however, continue. The defeat leaves them winless in ten matches and hovering just above the relegation zone, with urgent improvements needed when the league resumes in January.

AFC Leopards will next face second-placed Tusker FC away on January 10, a fixture that could further define their title credentials as the race heats up in the new year.