Mathare United F.C. produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat AFC Leopards 4–1 in a 2025/26 Kenyan Premier League Round 24 clash played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
The emphatic victory dealt a major blow to Leopards’ title ambitions as the Slum Boys scored four late goals after initially conceding early in the second half.
Bright Start From Both Sides
The match began at a lively pace with both teams pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough.
Mathare United threatened first in the fifth minute when striker John Makwata capitalised on a loose ball following a partial clearance by the Leopards defence, but his shot drifted wide of the target.
AFC Leopards responded moments later through attacks down the right flank. In the 13th minute, Victor Omune delivered a cross toward Tyson Otieno, but the forward failed to connect with the delivery.
Leopards continued pressing and nearly broke the deadlock five minutes later. Fredrick Alushula swung in a dangerous cross that found Otieno, whose initial shot was blocked before the rebound effort went off target.
Mathare created their best chance of the first half in the 25th minute when Elli Asieche found space in the box to meet a cross from the left, but the midfielder failed to convert.
Leopards again came close in the 43rd minute when Alushula whipped in another threatening delivery that found Omune, whose diving header narrowly missed the target.
Just before halftime, Makwata thought he had given Mathare the lead, but the goal was ruled out for offside, leaving the match goalless at the break.
Leopards Take the Lead
The second half began with AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani making an early tactical change, introducing Kennedy Owino for Emmanuel Lwangu.
Leopards eventually broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when Ronald Sichenje delivered a precise pass into the six-yard area, allowing captain Omune to calmly slot the ball home and give Ingwe a 1–0 lead.
Mathare’s Late Goal Rush
However, Mathare United responded emphatically in the final minutes of the match.
In the 77th minute, a cross from Paul Kinyanjui was poorly handled by Leopards goalkeeper Ssetuba, allowing Brian Ouru to pounce and level the score at 1–1.
Ouru struck again six minutes later, finishing another attacking move to put Mathare ahead 2–1 and complete a dramatic turnaround.
The Slum Boys extended their lead in the 87th minute when Isaac Omweri unleashed a superb strike to make it 3–1.
Deep into stoppage time, Ian Omondi added a fourth goal in the 90+5 minute to seal a commanding victory for Mathare United.
Impact on League Standings
The result lifts Mathare United to 12th place with 29 points, strengthening their push to move away from the lower half of the table.
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards remain second with 43 points, missing a crucial opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Gor Mahia, who sit top of the standings with 50 points.
Other Round 24 Results
Elsewhere in Saturday’s matches, Nairobi United edged Sofapaka F.C. 1–0 at the Kasarani Annex thanks to a goal from Kevin Osanya.
Bandari F.C. and Mara Sugar F.C. played out a goalless draw at Kwale Stadium.
Meanwhile, APS Bomet F.C. and Bidco United F.C. shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw at Gusii Stadium, with goals from Hansel Ochieng and Marvin Amuka respectively.
Sunday Fixtures
Round 24 concludes on Sunday with several key fixtures:
- Shabana F.C. vs Kariobangi Sharks F.C. – Gusii Stadium (2:00 PM)
- Tusker F.C. vs Kakamega Homeboyz F.C. – Wang’uru Stadium (2:00 PM)
- KCB F.C. vs Murang’a Seal F.C. – Nyayo Stadium (3:00 PM)
- Ulinzi Stars F.C. vs Gor Mahia – Ulinzi Sports Complex (3:30 PM)
The remaining fixtures are expected to further shape the title race and the battle for survival as the season approaches its final stretch.
