Afc Leopards Close Gap Ulinzi Posta Survival

Tension intensified at both ends of the SportPesa League table on Sunday.

Aa AFC Leopards reignited their title challenge with a late, hard-fought 1–0 victory over Tusker, Ulinzi Stars and Posta Rangers added urgency to an increasingly tight relegation battle.

At Nyayo Stadium, Leopards and Tusker engaged in a tense, tactical contest defined by caution, where space was scarce and mistakes were costly.

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Tusker’s compact defence frustrated Leopards, forcing slow, probing possession that tested the team’s patience.

Just when a stalemate seemed inevitable, Hassan Beja reacted fastest to a loose ball in the 81st minute to score the decisive goal, breathing life back into Leopards’ title hopes.

“We knew it would be decided by small details,” Beja said.

“At this stage, it is about collecting points, not how you win.”

Head coach Fred Ambani praised his team’s composure.

“We stayed calm even when the game was not opening up. The players believed the goal would come if we kept doing the right things.” Tusker coach Julien Mette acknowledged the fine margins.

“We were organised for most of the game, but one lapse at a crucial moment changed everything. At this level, that is what decides matches.”

At Ulinzi Sports Complex, the hosting soldiers claimed a vital 2–1 win over Nairobi United under the pressure of the relegation fight. Paul Okoth opened the scoring in the eighth minute, but Benson Omala equalised in the 72nd minute, forcing a tense finish.

“Every game now feels like a final. You cannot relax even for a second,” Okoth said.

Midfielder Boniface Muchiri added, “One win does not change anything. We must keep fighting because the table is still very tight.”

Coach Mulinge Ndetto cautioned, “We are still not safe. The pressure will remain until the very end.” Nairobi United coach Geoffrey Oduor admitted slow starts continue to undermine his side.

Posta Rangers also strengthened their survival bid with a 2–1 win over Kariobangi Sharks, moving up to 14th place on 28 points, while Sharks slipped to 16th on 24 points, their margin for error shrinking.

Gor Mahia lead on 56 points after a 2–1 win over Shabana, Leopards are second, seven points adrift, while champions Kenya Police are third on 40 points following a 2–1 victory over KCB, keeping the race alive.

Shabana sit fourth on 40 points while Kakamega Homeboyz are fifth, a point behind. Bidco United and Sofapaka played out a goalless draw, while Mara Sugar and APS Bomet also settled for a stalemate, reflecting growing caution across the league.