Under-pressure Leopards held by relegation-threatened Sharks
Frankline Amolo (left) of Kariobangi Sharks is tackled by AFC Leopards' Musa Oundo during their FKF Premier League match at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on November 23, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Kariobangi Sharks took the lead in the eighth minute through Humphrey Aroko before Victor Omune salvaged a point for Ingwe.
- Kakamega Homeboyz beat Posta Rangers 2-0 at Bukhungu Stadium while Murang'a Seal and Shabana played out a 1-1 draw.
AFC Leopards came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw away to Kariobangi Sharks in a 2025/26 FKF Premier League match that was played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday.
Kariobangi Sharks took the lead in the eighth minute through Humphrey Aroko before Victor Omune salvaged a point for Ingwe with a goal in the 61st minute. The result left Kariobangi Sharks 17th with seven points and Leopards third with 14 points.
In the day's other two matches, Kakamega Homeboyz won 2-0 at home to Posta Rangers at Bukhungu Stadium while Murang'a Seal and Shabana played out a 1-1 draw at SportPesa Arena in Murang'a.
Kariobangi Sharks assistant coach Edward Seda said AFC Leopards were lucky to get a draw.
“We had a good plan for this game and Leopards only got a draw by chance,” said Seda, a former AFC Leopards player.
“In the second half we had to change our game slightly after our goal scorer was injured. He was helping us in keeping the ball and releasing our two forwards. His exit meant we changed to playing with an out-and-out striker,” Seda added.
“We have just not been winning games but everything else is okay," Seda said when asked what has not been working for Sharks this season since the club is in the relegation zone.
Seda was standing in for William Muluya, who is in Ethiopia with the Junior Stars in the 2025 Cecafa U17 Championships.
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani praised the performance of Victor Omune in his post-match with Azam, the league's official broadcasters.
“I have been rotating my forwards and Omune played well for us today,” Ambani said.
He also criticised the match officials, whom he accused of having a "fixed mind."
AFC Leopards' next match will be against Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby, a match Ingwe will go into on the back of a three-match winless run.
Ambani admitted that his team is under pressure to perform and promised to build on the positives from the draw against Sharks.
Against the run of play
During the match, AFC Leopards were constantly reminded of the pressure to return to winning ways by their fans. On the terraces, one section of their fan base had unfurled a banner reading, "Winners don't give excuses."
Perhaps it was no wonder that Leopards started on the front foot, launching their first attack as soon as the match started. However, Kariobangi Sharks struck first against the run of play.
Leopards had sustained a ferocious bombardment of Sharks' goal with their final attack culminating in James Kinyanjui shooting over the bar from inside the box.
Then the tide changed and it did so with Randi Bakari and Vincent Mahiga falling over themselves trying to stop Humphrey Aroko's charge towards their goal. They all failed, leaving Aroko one-on-one with Humphrey Katasi. Aroko's shot went in off Katasi far post.
The goal boosted Sharks' confidence, inspiring more attacks. Their neat passes and cheeky dribbles won them fouls and subsequent shots on goal ended in Katasi's waiting arms.
On the other hand, Leopards became disjointed after falling behind as they struggled to complete passes with nerves seemingly got the better of them.
Leopards almost drew level in the 27th minute when captain Omune's mazy dribbling on the left wing parted the Sharks defence like the Red Sea, leaving him one-on-one with Sharks' debutant goalkeeper Collins Omondi, only to hit the side netting.
Omune redeemed himself in the second half when he when he headed in Kinyanjui's freekick in the 61st minute.
The goal reinforced Omune's reputation as Sharks' boogeyman, having scored five of Leopards' seven goals against Sharks.
Omune's goal brought Leopards' anguished back to life, increasing the volume of the chanting, drum beats, and jingles by their fans.
Yet, Sharks almost silenced Ingwe again in the 73rd minute but substitute Markvivian Kesa failed to connect with a cross from the left wing.
Thereafter, the ball stayed more in Leopards' half with a freekick by Sharks' captain Patila Omoto being cleared over the bar.
Sharks won another freekick in a promising position but it was headed over the bar by Wayne Mbuya.
Leopards bombed forward after that and substitute Julius Masaba almost won the match for them in the 81st minute but Omondi turned his attempt out for a corner.
End-to-end action followed but no goals came.
