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KPL: Leopards pile mystery on Ulinzi to close gap on leaders Gor Mahia
13th May, 2026 06:58 PM
AFC Leopards maintained their pursuit of the FKF Premier League crown after registering a convincing 2-0 win over Ulinzi Stars in a rain-soaked encounter at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
The victory allowed Ingwe to close the gap on table leaders Gor Mahia to four points, moving to 61 points while K’Ogalo remained on 65.
Coming into the fixture, AFC Leopards were fresh from a 2-1 triumph over Mara Sugar, while Ulinzi Stars had settled for a barren draw away to Shabana FC.
Despite the difficult weather conditions, Leopards began brightly, with Victor Omune forcing saves from the goalkeeper and Kayci Odhiambo sending a free-kick wide.
Ulinzi Stars gradually settled into the game around the 10th minute as both sides battled for control in midfield.
A major chance fell to Ulinzi in the 20th minute when Nyongesa broke through on goal, but AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Katasi produced an excellent stop to keep the scores level.
Two minutes later, Nyongesa delivered a dangerous ball into the box, but Kayci Odhiambo reacted quickly to clear the threat for a corner.
Leopards nearly struck in the 25th minute after Hassan Beja tested the keeper from the left flank. The rebound dropped kindly for Tyson Otieno, who failed to connect properly with the loose ball.
Another promising move arrived in the 34th minute when Boniface Muchiri picked out Staphod Odhiambo with a fine pass down the right wing. However, Vincent Mahiga intervened with a crucial block to deny the cross from causing damage.
Breathrough
The breakthrough eventually came just before halftime as Kelly Madada calmly finished in the 43rd minute to hand AFC Leopards the advantage.
Ulinzi attempted to respond after the break by introducing Emilio Brian for John Kago in the 52nd minute to strengthen their attack.
The soldiers continued pushing for an equaliser and piled pressure on the Leopards defence as the second half progressed.
In the 60th minute, Mousa Oundo almost doubled the lead for Ingwe, but his fierce strike crashed into the side netting.
Ulinzi Stars made more attacking substitutions in the 64th minute, bringing on Musambai and Odhiambo in place of Staphod and Nyongesa.
Even under sustained pressure, AFC Leopards stayed organised defensively while remaining dangerous on the counterattack.
Tyson Otieno nearly added a second goal in the 70th minute, but the Ulinzi goalkeeper made another important save to keep his side alive in the contest.
However, Leopards suffered a setback four minutes later when Otieno limped off injured.
Late in the game, Emmanuel Lwangu came close to extending the lead with a powerful header in the 82nd minute.
During stoppage time, AFC Leopards introduced Ronald Sichenje and Fredrick Alushula for Kelly Madada and James Kinyanjui to help protect the lead.
Ulinzi Stars continued searching for a late goal, but AFC Leopards stood firm until the final whistle to seal an important 2-0 victory.
Ulinzi’s mystery
The defeat leaves Ulinzi Stars placed 16th on the log with 32 points, deep into the relegation zone with three matches left on the 2025/26 Football Kenya Fedration Premier League calendar.
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