AFC Leopards delivered a commanding performance to end Tusker FC’s four-match winning streak with an emphatic 4-1 victory at Dandora Stadium on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Gor Mahia’s hopes of narrowing the gap at the top were dashed as Shabana FC scored a dramatic late equalizer to force a 1-1 draw in Machakos.
AFC Leopards Dominate Tusker FC
Under interim coach Fred Ambani, AFC Leopards entered the match with a winless record in their last five games but produced a stellar display to reassert their credentials. The Leopards’ forward line shone as Ovella Ochieng, Sydney Lokale, Victor Omune, and Boniface Munyendo found the back of the net, while Tusker’s lone response came from substitute Boban Zirintusa.
Leopards opted for tactical changes, introducing Kelly Madada to the starting lineup and placing Victor Omune on the bench. Sydney Lokale led the attack, supported by captain Lewis Bandi in defense. Tusker, aiming for a fifth consecutive win, retained their core lineup, welcoming David Odoyo back from injury to the bench.
Bao la tatu dhidi ya Tusker FC, Victor Omune akifunga bao lake la tatu msimu huu
️ Goli hilo kutoka kwa pasi ya kiungo Kelly Madada
@betikaKe
@AzamTV # | # pic.twitter.com/bfjkxUaADG— AFC Leopards SC (@AFCLeopards) December 12, 2024
The match began with Leopards setting an aggressive tempo, and Lokale nearly broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, forcing a brilliant save from Tusker’s goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka. Despite creating multiple chances, Leopards had to wait until first-half injury time to score. Awarded a penalty, Lokale’s initial attempt was parried by Ochuka, but Ovella reacted quickest to slot home the rebound, giving Leopards a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Leopards’ Second-Half Onslaught
The Leopards returned with renewed vigor in the second half. Lokale redeemed himself in the 53rd minute, converting a well-placed pass from Madada to double the lead. The pair combined again in the 63rd minute, with Madada setting up substitute Victor Omune for Leopards’ third goal.
Tusker’s defense crumbled under relentless pressure, and Boniface Munyendo capitalized on a goalmouth scramble in the 79th minute to score Leopards’ fourth. While Zirintusa managed a consolation goal for Tusker in the 85th minute, it was too little, too late for the Brewers.
Bao letu la mwisho la siku, la nne dhidi ya Tusker FC na lake la tatu Boniface Munyendo msimu huu
Tizama tobwe lake Munyendo kabla ya kuelekeza mpira kwenye nyavu
@betikaKe
@azamtvtz# | # pic.twitter.com/8WJ8F9vx2B— AFC Leopards SC (@AFCLeopards) December 12, 2024
The comprehensive win gives Leopards a much-needed boost and keeps them level on points with archrivals Gor Mahia at 18 points. For Tusker, the result highlights defensive frailties they must address to sustain their title challenge.
Shabana Stuns Gor Mahia in Machakos
At Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Gor Mahia, the defending champions, were denied victory by a resilient Shabana FC in a thrilling 1-1 draw. Christopher Ochieng opened the scoring for Gor in the 48th minute after a tightly contested first half. However, a stoppage-time equalizer from Mathew Tegisi saw Shabana salvage a crucial point.
Gor Mahia dominated early possession but struggled to convert their chances in the first half. Their breakthrough came shortly after halftime when Ochieng slotted the ball past Shabana’s goalkeeper, giving Gor a 1-0 lead.
Shabana ya mwaka huu ni tofauti kabisa,
Goal Mathew Momanyi Tegisi
Assist Brian Michira Migiro
Enyongo twanyeatera gesieri. #SportpesaNaShabana pic.twitter.com/Yw9o2hmPug
— Shabana Fc Kenya (@Shabanafckenya) December 11, 2024
The match took a dramatic turn in the 80th minute when Enock Morrison received a red card for a reckless foul. Down to ten men, Gor Mahia struggled to maintain their defensive shape. Shabana capitalized on the numerical advantage, and Tegisi’s calm finish in the 94th minute secured a valuable point for the visitors.
The draw leaves Gor Mahia fourth in the standings, tied on 18 points with AFC Leopards. Shabana remains in seventh place with 17 points, proving they are a formidable contender this season.
Posta Rangers and Kakamega Homeboyz Share Spoils
Elsewhere, Posta Rangers and Kakamega Homeboyz played out a dramatic 1-1 draw. Moses Shumah gave Kakamega the lead in the 85th minute, only for Brian Otieno to equalize four minutes later, ensuring both teams walked away with a point.
Je Ulifurahia matokeo ya Timu yako?#FKFPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/AuzRSc0Soj
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) December 13, 2024
Ulinzi Stars Hold Bandari at Kinoru Stadium
At Kinoru Stadium, Ulinzi Stars and Bandari settled for a 1-1 draw. Bandari’s Izzadin Ramadan scored in the 40th minute, but an own goal by Brian Odera in the second half allowed Ulinzi to salvage a point. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the clinical edge to secure victory.
Looking Ahead
The FKF Premier League continues to deliver intense and unpredictable action. AFC Leopards will aim to build on their momentum in their upcoming fixtures, while Tusker must regroup to stay in the title race. Gor Mahia will look to bounce back and close the gap on leaders KCB, while Shabana will aim to build on their strong showing against the defending champions.
With the league standings tightening, every match in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the title race and relegation battles. Fans can expect more drama and excitement as teams jostle for supremacy in Kenya’s premier football competition.
READ NEXT:
- ‘Rebuilding Kenyan Football Starts Today’ –Hussein Mohammed’s message after winning FKF presidential elections
- Engin Firat Resigns as Harambee Stars Coach After AFCON 2025 Qualification Failure
- FKFPL:Kenneth Muguna Double Powers Kenya Police Past Bidco United as Talanta overcome Mara Sugar
- FKFPL:KCB Miss Chance to Extend Lead at the Top in Goalless Draw with Sofapaka
