Kelly Madada of AFC Leopards is sandwiched by Mathare United's Moses Omweri (left) and Brian 'Supa Rio' Ochieng during their KPL  match at Nyayo Stadium/AFC LEOPARDS 

AFC Leopards chairman Bonface Ambani has apologised to supporters after Ingwe suffered a shocking 4–1 defeat to Mathare United in an FKF Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

What began as a hopeful afternoon for Leopards supporters quickly turned into frustration as the team surrendered a second-half lead before conceding four goals in a dramatic late collapse that has dented their title ambitions.

Read Also
Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics
Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football
Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby

Thousands of fans had filled Nyayo expecting Ingwe to maintain pressure on league leaders Gor Mahia FC. Instead, they watched a match that appeared firmly in the Leopards’ control unravel in the closing stages.

Leopards looked set for a crucial win when captain Victor Omune broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, finishing calmly after a well-worked attacking move that sparked celebrations among the home fans.

Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

However, Mathare United responded emphatically. In a chaotic late spell, the visitors overturned the match with ruthless efficiency. Brian Ouru struck twice while Isaac Omweri and Ian Omondi added the other goals to seal a stunning comeback.

The collapse triggered anger among sections of the Leopards faithful, leading to tense scenes around the technical area as the final whistle approached.

After the match, Leopards' head coach Fred Ambani had to be escorted away from the pitch by security personnel alongside a member of the technical bench as emotions among supporters ran high.

Moments later, a group of agitated fans confronted chairman Bonface Ambani within the stadium precincts, demanding decisive action following the humiliating defeat. Some openly called for the dismissal of his elder brother, coach Fred Ambani, blaming the technical bench for the team’s defensive collapse.

Security officials and club staff eventually intervened to disperse the crowd before the situation escalated further.

Shortly after the match, Bonface Ambani released a statement acknowledging the disappointment among supporters and apologising for the painful result.

“The outcome against Mathare United was extremely painful for everyone associated with the club,” Ambani said.

“We managed to go ahead in the second half, but unfortunately allowed several goals within a short period, which ultimately changed the direction of the match.”

The chairman thanked supporters who turned up in large numbers and backed the team until the final whistle.

“I want to sincerely appreciate the supporters who came to Nyayo and stood behind the team. Their passion and loyalty remain very important to this club,” he said.

Ambani admitted the defeat was particularly difficult given the club’s title ambitions this season.

“Our objective this season has been to compete strongly for the league title. We understand the disappointment among supporters and regret that the team did not deliver the performance expected.”

He also revealed that several key players missed the match due to injury, including Humphrey Katasi, Kayci Odhiambo, Emmanuel Lwangu and Brian Nyongesa.

Despite the setback, AFC Leopards remain second in the standings with 43 points, although the gap to leaders Gor Mahia has stretched to seven points, with K’Ogalo also holding a game in hand.

Leopards had entered the Mathare clash with confidence following an emphatic 5–1 victory over Shabana FC earlier this month. Previous wins against Posta Rangers FC, Sofapaka FC and APS Bomet, as well as a commanding 4–0 triumph over Tusker FC, had strengthened their title challenge.

However, defeats to KCB FC and now Mathare United have raised fresh questions about the team’s consistency as the season enters its decisive stage.

“As a club we are carefully reviewing what needs to improve so that the team performs better in the remaining matches,” Ambani said.

“Our supporters remain a very important part of this club. Their encouragement and belief are vital, especially during challenging moments.”

For AFC Leopards, the task now is to steady the ship, rebuild confidence and keep their fading title hopes alive as the FKF Premier League season approaches its crucial run-in.