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AFC Leopards’ title charge suffers fresh injury setbacks
17th March, 2026 05:27 PM
AFC Leopards’ push for the 2025/26 Football Kenya Federation Premier League title has suffered a new setback as the club has released an injury update ahead of their upcoming league fixtures, with several key players ruled out as the team prepares to host Nairobi United at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the club confirmed that defenders Ellias Mugane and Maxwell Otieno remain sidelined as they continue their recovery following surgical procedures.
Mugane underwent an operation to repair his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), while Otieno is recuperating from surgery on his meniscus. Both players are expected to be out for an extended period as they undergo rehabilitation.
In addition, key defender Kaycie Odhiambo has been ruled out for approximately two weeks after sustaining a foot injury, further limiting the squad options available to the technical bench.
Injury list
”Ellias Mugane and Maxwell Otieno are still out recovering after undergoing surgery procedures to repair their anterior cruciate and meniscus cruciate ligaments, respectively. Kaycie Odhiambo will sit out for the next 2 weeks after suffering a foot injury,” the statement read in part.
The situation has been compounded by a fresh injury concern involving Emmanuel Lwangu. The midfielder, who had only recently returned to first-team action, suffered an ankle sprain during last weekend’s FKF Premier League fixture against Mathare United at Nyayo Stadium. He is also expected to be unavailable for two weeks as he undergoes treatment and recovery.
Despite the growing injury list, AFC Leopards remain focused on their upcoming match, where they will look to secure maximum points in front of their home supporters, who were irked following the team’s 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Mathare United in their previous outing.
The clash against Nairobi United is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 pm, with the club Chairman Boniface Ambani rallying fans to forget the Mathare disappointments and keep pushing the team for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards management has expressed its support for the injured players, wishing them a speedy recovery as the squad navigates this challenging period. The team is placed second on the log with 43 points, 10 behind leaders and arch-rivals Gor Mahia.
The setback comes days after AFC Leopards suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Mathare United. Slum Boys came from behind to inflict a 4-1 loss on Fred Ambani’s charges.
