AFC Leopards Go Joint Top of FKF Premier League With Gor Mahia After Narrow Win Over Sofapaka

AFC Leopards held Sofapaka to a in their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match on Sunday, January 25.

AFC Leopards and Sofapaka entered the fixture in starkly different positions, with Ingwe currently chasing the league title while the 2009 champions were fighting to distance themselves from the relegation zone.

AFC Leopards headed into the game full of momentum after a dramatic 2–1 victory over APS Bomet on January 17, 2026, where they scored twice in stoppage time to secure their third consecutive win.

In contrast, Sofapaka’s recent form has been a struggle, punctuated by a narrow 1–0 loss to Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium in their last outing.

The match kicked off with AFC Leopards showing early intent, as Ronald Sichenje’s long-range effort in the second minute sailed just over the bar.

Both sides tightened their defence, limiting shots on target, though Sofapaka’s Joseph Kuloba nearly scored in the 16th minute before Humphrey Katasi intervened.

In the 25th minute, Sichenje unleashed another fierce strike, only for the goalkeeper to spill it for a corner that was well defended.

Two minutes later, AFC Leopards mounted another attempt, followed by Japheth Mzungu Mamadi’s close-range effort in the 30th minute, which went just over the post.

By the 34th minute, the deadlock remained unbroken, despite both teams pushing hard. In the 36th minute, Tyron Kariuki tried a solo effort after a clever set-piece from Kuloba, but the ball flew over the bar.

In the 42nd minute, Sofapaka FC earned a free kick from a foul on Kelly Madada, but Katasi produced a brilliant save to deny them.

Shortly after, Samwel Semo delivered a well-weighted cross from the left, finding Tyson Otieno, whose effort went just wide.

Just before halftime, Samuel Ssenyonjo had a golden opportunity to give AFC Leopards the lead, but his shot was expertly saved by the Sofapaka goalkeeper.

Coming out for the second half, AFC Leopards made an early change, with Randy Bakari replacing the injured Emmanuel Lwangu. Shortly after, Leopards took the lead from a Samuel Semo corner, with Kayci Odhiambo perfectly positioned to tap the ball into the net.

In the 53rd minute, Stephen Bonney came close to equalising, but his effort sailed over the post. Sofapaka earned their first corner in the 55th minute, yet the subsequent volley was comfortably collected by the AFC Leopards goalkeeper.

In the 67th minute, Humphrey Katasi produced a brilliant save to deny the hosts from leveling the scores. AFC Leopards then made a tactical double change, bringing on Julius Masaba and Victor Otieno for Tyson Otieno and Ronald Sichenje to inject fresh energy into the side.

Three minutes later, Tyron Kariuki delivered a clever free kick into the D, and Kuloba’s header glanced off an AFC Leopards defender, resulting in a corner kick.

The intensity of the match continued, and heading into the 75th minute, Sofapaka made some changes, hoping to finally equalise and hopefully take the lead.

In another strategic move, Victor Omune and Bonface Munyendo entered the fray to replace James Kinyanjui and Samuel Ssenyonjo, providing the team with a renewed attacking threat and extra stability in the closing stages.