AFC Leopards maul Shaban 5-1
By Mark Kinyanjui
Nyayo National Stadium witnessed scenes of both brilliance and bedlam on Sunday evening as AFC Leopards dismantled Shabana FC 5-1 in a high-stakes SportPesa League encounter.
While the “Big Cats” moved within striking distance of league leaders Gor Mahia, the match was nearly overshadowed by crowd trouble that saw police deploy teargas into the stands.
The result leaves the 2025/26 title race on a knife-edge, with Ingwe proving they have the clinical edge to challenge for the ultimate prize.
A Tale of Two Halves
The match began with high intensity as both sides looked to assert dominance. AFC Leopards drew first blood through Samuel Semo, whose clinical finish set the tone for the afternoon.
Tyson Otieno doubled the advantage before the break, leaving the “Tore Bobe” defense struggling to contain Leopards’ fluid attacking transitions.
However, the second half took a chaotic turn. In the 61st minute, Shabana gave their traveling fans a glimmer of hope when Wycliffe Awiko pulled one back to make it 2-1.
The tension in the stands boiled over shortly after. Security forces lobbed teargas canisters into the seating areas to contain unrest, forcing a temporary halt to the match as fans, players, and officials scrambled for safety amidst the stinging fumes.
The Resumption: Ssenyonjo and Odhiambo Run Riot For AFC Leopards
Once the air cleared and play resumed, AFC Leopards showed remarkable composure. Rather than losing focus, they went on a ten-minute rampage:
Samuel Ssenyonjo restored the two-goal cushion, ghosting past his marker to make it 3-1. The goal of the evening came from Kayci Odhiambo in the 70th minute, who unleashed a thunderous hit from distance that left the Shabana goalkeeper with no chance.
In the 74th minute Ssenyonjo would put the game completely out of reach, bagging his second of the night to make it 5-1.
The KPL Log: Pressure on Gor Mahia
This victory is a massive statement of intent for Thomas Trucha’s side. While Gor Mahia still sits at the summit with 46 points, AFC Leopards have closed the gap to just six points.
Interestingly, despite the heavy defeat, Shabana FC remains in 3rd place with 40 points, though their goal difference has taken a significant hit. The loss marks a major setback for the Kisii-based side, who now find themselves level on points with the very team that just tore them apart.
Gor Mahia remain top of the table on 49 points, with AFC second on 43, but with a game in hand on their rivals. Shabana remain third on 40 points.
