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Humphrey Katasi comes in clutch in Leopards’ victory over Sofapaka
26th January, 2026 10:29 AM
AFC Leopards’ Sunday victory over Sofapaka saw the Fred Amabani charges keep their title prospect in sight as Ingwe moved within touching distance of log leaders Gor Mahia with Week 18 games concluding on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
On an evening that goals proved hard to come by at both ends, the former Nzoia custodian’s heroics at goal proved crucial to putting Ingwe over the line and continuing Ingwe’s impressive league streak.
Among his standout saves was the long-range shot moments after Leopards took a lead in the 46th minute.
The goalie produced a stupendous save to palm out a dangerous header from Joseph Kuloba’s head from close range.
The shot stopper produced a similar top-drawer save to deny Emmanuel Otieno Pala’s thunderous strike two minutes later.
Clean sheet
The heroics ultimately earned him a ninth clean sheet, proving just how critical it is for a team to keep its back door shut in an encounter in which Fred Ambani demanded his charges adopt a more ruthless approach to their game.
Speaking after the local match, Ambani addressed the prolificacy at goal, with Ugandan Samuel Ssenyonjo and James Kinaynjui among the guilty parties.
“We were to finish this game in the first half, but we wasted plenty of chances, and it remains something of concern. It is an aspect we have to work on, as we have been doing for some time now,” he stated.
The coach opined that the challenge could pose risks for the side in the coming games if they don’t bury their chances.
Converting chances
“Yes, the finishing is an aspect we have to be worried about, since not converting the chances when they come your way could turn risky for us,” he added.
In remedying the situation, Ambani has challenged his team to adopt a more ambitious plan and try to take their chances from range.
“We were to finish this game in the first half, but we wasted plenty of chances, and it remains something of concern. It is an aspect we have to work on, as we have been doing for some time now,” he stated.
Prior to Sofapaka’s win, Ambani’s charges had managed to grind out a result with narrow wins over APS Bomet last time out, proving why the concern remains an issue to redress.
The club has overall maintained a decent run in the campaign, dropping points on only three occasions since their maiden league loss to Mara Sugar in November 2025. Leopards have in the space beaten archrivals Gor Mahia in the Mshaemeji Derby and Tusker FC to consolidate their quest for the elusive league title.
