AFC Leopards secured their first victory of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season after substitute Ronald Sichenje struck deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 win over Kenya Police FC at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Kevin Luke Otiala opened the scoring for Ingwe shortly after the restart before Elvis Rupia equalised for Kenya Police. However, Sichenje emerged as the match-winner with a decisive 92nd-minute strike.
The victory provided a fitting Mashujaa Day celebration for Fred Ambani's side, who had opened their campaign with a frustrating goalless draw against Bandari FC.
Leopards entered the encounter seeking maximum points to maintain early pressure on defending champions Gor Mahia, who had won their opening two league fixtures against Murang'a Seal and APS Bomet.
Ingwe started brightly and nearly broke the deadlock in the fourth minute following an attacking move involving Tyson Otieno and Kelly Madada.
Madada found Samwel Ssenyonjo inside the penalty area, but his low effort was brilliantly saved by Kenya Police goalkeeper Job Ochieng. Adama Kanteh failed to capitalise on the rebound, sending his attempt over the crossbar.
Kenya Police gradually settled into the contest, with Yves Koutiama threatening from the left flank while Rupia looked to create opportunities for the hosts.
Leopards continued to push forward, with Tyson Otieno producing an impressive individual run before unleashing a powerful effort that Ochieng kept out.
Madada also tested the Police goalkeeper with a low drive as Ingwe searched for the opening goal.
The first half was not without controversy.
Leopards thought they had taken the lead shortly before the interval when Tyson Otieno's effort appeared to cross the goal line, but the match officials ruled otherwise.
The decision sparked protests from Leopards players and supporters, with objects reportedly thrown onto the pitch as tensions increased before half-time.
Despite their attacking efforts, Ingwe headed into the break with the score locked at 0-0.
The visitors returned for the second half with renewed determination and finally broke the deadlock in the 49th minute.
Otiala, who joined Leopards from Kariobangi Sharks, capitalised on a well-worked set-piece situation involving Samwel Semo to put Ambani's side ahead.
Kenya Police responded strongly and almost equalised in the 55th minute when Rupia released Koutiama into space on the left, but his effort struck the woodwork.
The Law Enforcers eventually restored parity just before the hour mark.
Edward Omondi advanced down the left flank, beating his marker before delivering an inviting ball into the penalty area. Rupia reacted quickly to finish from close range and bring Police level.
The equaliser shifted the momentum as both sides searched for a winning goal in an increasingly competitive encounter.
With the match seemingly heading towards a draw, Leopards introduced fresh attacking energy from the bench.
Victor Otieno made an important contribution down the right flank, creating the opportunity for Sichenje to deliver the decisive moment.
In the 92nd minute, Sichenje, popularly known as Bebeto, controlled the ball inside the area before directing a left-footed finish into the far corner beyond Ochieng.
The late winner sparked celebrations among Leopards players and supporters as Ingwe secured their first three points of the campaign.
The result moved Leopards to four points from their opening two matches, keeping them within touching distance of Gor Mahia, who have collected six points.
For Kenya Police, the defeat extended their search for a first league victory after beginning the season with a draw against Migori Youth.
Leopards will now turn their attention to their next league assignment against Shabana FC on Sunday, October 25, at Nyayo National Stadium.
Ambani's side will hope the dramatic victory provides the momentum needed to sustain their challenge for a first league title since 1998.
