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Edward Omondi's equaliser in the dying minutes of the match were enough to help Sofapaka spare their blushes against AFC Leopards, while Shabana tossed aside KCB to storm into fifth place and make a statement of intent in the quest for the league title.
AFC Leopards were left heartbroken as Edward Omondi’s late equalizer salvaged a point for Sofapaka in a tense league encounter at Dandora Stadium on Sunday. Ingwe, led by interim coach Fred Ambani, were on the verge of securing their third win in four games, thanks to a first-half strike by Kelly Madada. However, Sofapaka’s resilience ensured the spoils were shared.
AFC Leopards got off to a dream start in the fifth minute when Kelly Madada opened his account for the club. A perfectly timed pass from Elvis Rupia Lokale found Madada in the right place at the right time, and the forward made no mistake, firing into the net to give Ingwe an early lead.
Sofapaka sought a quick response, and in the 28th minute, Ovella Ochieng delivered a superb free kick that rattled the crossbar. Ken Owino’s header from the rebound narrowly rolled out, much to the relief of Leopards’ defense.
Madada continued to threaten, forcing a save from Sofapaka’s goalkeeper with a long-range effort in the 32nd minute. On the defensive end, Kennedy Owino made a crucial clearance in the 39th minute to keep the hosts at bay, ensuring AFC Leopards maintained their slim advantage heading into halftime.
The second half saw both sides create chances, with AFC Leopards looking to double their lead. Boniface Munyendo came agonizingly close in the 68th minute, as his thunderous strike cannoned off the crossbar, leaving the visitors rueing a missed opportunity to seal the game.
Sofapaka, however, kept pushing and earned a lifeline in the 85th minute. From a corner, Edward Omondi rose highest to head the ball home, leveling the score and breaking AFC Leopards' hearts.
Despite their early dominance, AFC Leopards were unable to find a winning goal and had to settle for a point. The result leaves Fred Ambani with much to ponder as his side continues to seek consistency in their campaign.
Shabana 2–0 KCB
Meanwhile, in Gusii Stadium, Shabana FC continued their remarkable form with a commanding 2-0 victory over title-chasing KCB.
Goals from Brian Michira and rising star Austin Odongo sealed the win in front of a raucous home crowd that included World 800m champion Mary Moraa and Minnesota House Representative Huldah Momanyi.
The hosts started brightly, with Samuel Maiko and Michira testing KCB keeper Farouk Shikhalo early on. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Michira pounced on a rebound after Shikhalo failed to hold onto Matthew Tegisi’s long-range strike. The goal marked Michira’s fourth in four games and his seventh of the season, further solidifying his reputation as a key player for Shabana.
Maiko had another chance to double the lead, but his shot bounced wide.
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The second half saw Shabana dominate proceedings, with Darius Msagha and Tegisi coming close to extending the lead. KCB’s best chance fell to Patrick Otieno, who failed to capitalize on a one-on-one opportunity, firing over the bar.
The decisive moment came in the 85th minute when 17-year-old Austin Odongo, benefiting from Tegisi’s smothered shot, calmly slotted home at the back post. The goal sent the Gusii Stadium into raptures, securing a fourth consecutive unbeaten game for Shabana and lifting them into the Premier League’s top five.
KCB’s struggles continue, leaving them searching for consistency as their title aspirations take a hit. For Shabana, the victory underscores their growing momentum in the league.
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