Drama as irate AFC Leopards fans confront players and coaches after defeat to Mathare
AFC Leopards’ humiliating 4-1 defeat to Mathare United on Saturday, March 14, 2026, sparked outrage among the team’s fanbase, who stormed the pitch in protest after the final whistle at Nyayo Stadium.
The second-placed Ingwe had entered the match hoping to keep up their pursuit of league leaders Gor Mahia, but the encounter turned disastrous as they were shocked by a 4-1 loss to the Slum Boys.
Chairman intervention
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The defeat dealt a major blow to their hopes of winning the elusive league title, prompting a section of furious fans to vent their frustration directly at the technical bench and players.
The near-violent confrontation prompted the intervention of club chairman Boniface Ambani, who attempted to calm the supporters as they demanded the sacking of the coaching staff led by his brother, Fred
Players held hostage
Even after the fans were eventually cleared from the pitch, tensions persisted. A group of them briefly held the players hostage, preventing them from accessing the tunnel leading to the changing rooms, while threatening to pelt them with objects.
The chaotic end to the match put the AFC Leopards chairman, Boniface Ambani, in yet another tough spot just a couple of weeks after storming the field to help quell a confrontation between the fans and the police during Leopards’ 5-1 victory over Shabana.
Ambani stepped in to calm the situation between the police and angry fans. He pleaded with the officers to stop using tear gas on the crowd during the troubled clash at Nyayo.
Title slipping away
The former KPL giants are now staring at the danger of seeing their title chase go up in smoke, with the loss leaving them trailing leaders Gor Mahia by seven points.
Gor, who next plays Ulinzi Stars on Sunday, March 15, 2026, could move ten points clear at the top, with the league entering a critical juncture with less than ten games to conclude the season.
During the clash, Leopards took the lead in the final half only for Mathare to wage a dramatic final 20-minute fightback to flip the script on their rivals.
Victor Omune struck the first blood from Ronald Sichenje’s cross to put Ingwe to a deserved lead at the hour mark.
Ingwe lost after scoring
Fred Ambani’s team, however, inexplicably lost themselves after taking the lead as Mathare United rallied from behind.
Brian Ouru restored parity in the 77th minute to spark the comeback.
The Slum boys then turned the game on its head with Ouru completing his double with seven minutes left.
Isaac Omweri ensured the goal fest continued with a third strike before Ian Omondi hit the final nail in the Leopards’ coffin.
