AFC Leopards Claw Hapless Mathare to Claim Comfortable Win

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AFC Leopards Claw Hapless Mathare to Claim Comfortable Win

Mark Kinyanjui 18:03 - 14.05.2025

AFC Leopards bag three crucial points in easy win over Mathare United to get back to winning ways.

AFC Leopards nonchalantly tossed aside Mathare United 3-1 to get back to winning ways in their FKFPL encounter that took place at the Dandora Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Leopards, who had won just one of their previous five games, got all the three points in the end to put them in a solid position to build up strong momentum and finish as high up the table as possible.

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First Half

The hosts started brightly, with Koloti and Victor Otieno combining dangerously down the flank in the 17th minute to win the first corner of the game. Brian Wanyama stepped up to take it, but Mathare’s defence remained alert and cleared the danger.

Wanyama continued to be a menace, delivering another quality corner in the 24th minute which found Randy Bakari, whose header flew just over the bar.

AFC Leopards were knocking on the door, and they nearly found the breakthrough two minutes later. Otieno linked up beautifully with Kayci Odhiambo, who delivered a cheeky backheel to set up Wanyama. The winger’s shot, however, went inches wide, keeping the score level—temporarily.

The pressure finally paid off in the 31st minute. Roonie Shichenje’s free kick was spilled by the Mathare United goalkeeper, and Kayci was perfectly placed to pounce and tap home the opener.

The second goal came just four minutes later, this time a product of another well-crafted move. Wanyama once again orchestrated the attack, and Koloti was at the right place at the right time to double Leopards' advantage with a tidy finish. Leopards players then celebrated the goal by paying tribute to secretary general Gilbert Andugu, who lost his life last week.

Mathare nearly pulled one back in the 38th minute when Ian Omondi  rose highest to meet a dangerous cross, but Leopards keeper Levis Opiyo produced a fine fingertip save to deny what was the visitors' best opportunity of the half.

At the break, AFC Leopards lead Mathare United 2-0, thanks to goals from Kayci and Koloti, and look well in control of the match.

Second Half

Mathare United coach John Kamau chose to shake up his squad early in the second half, bringing on Musa Masika and Paul Kinyanjui for  Peter Oudu and Derrick Anami respectively in efforts to reduce the deficit.  

Mathare United started the better of the two teams after the break, and in the 56th minute, had a chance to get a foothold into the game  when Brian Ouru did well to control a lofted pass from just outside the area, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar. 

AFC Leopards played second fiddle for much of the second half, but in the 65th minute, created their first realistic chance when Koloti, who had been a menace all afternoon, received a good ball from deep by Kennedy Owino before getting to the byline and whipping a cross across goal, but no one was there to get on the end of it.

Leopards however would not regret that earlier miss, as in the 86th minute, Ronald Shichenje ‘Bebeto’ would score what would turn out to be the icing on the cake for Fred Ambani’s charges. 

Receiving a good floated ball swang in by Vincent Mahiga from deep, Shichenje found himself battling for the ball with Fidel Otieno, but managed to outmuscle him and then unleashed a left footed shot into the back of the net. 

Mathare United got one back through John Nyawir towards the end of the game, but it turned out to be just a consolation win, as Leopards cruised to an easy 3-1 win in the end.

The result now means AFC Leopards are sixth on 45 points after 30 games played. Mathare United are 11th on 37 points.