AFC Leopards secured a hard-fought 1–0 win over Nairobi United in a rescheduled SportPesa League match played on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Nyayo Stadium, with Samuel Ssenyonjo’s first-half strike proving decisive as Ingwe bounced back from their previous defeat.
The midweek clash saw Leopards, seeking a response after a 4–1 loss to Mathare United, complete a season double over Nairobi United.
The match began at a lively pace following kickoff, with AFC Leopards immediately on the front foot. Early chances fell to Ssenyonjo and James Kinyanjui inside the opening minutes, signaling the hosts’ attacking intent.
Leopards’ pressure paid off in the 13th minute when Tyson Otieno delivered a well-weighted pass that found Ssenyonjo, who calmly finished to register his seventh goal of the season and hand Ingwe a 1–0 lead.
Nairobi United responded positively and nearly drew level midway through the half when Lesley Otieno whipped in a low cross that picked out Benson Omala inside the box, but goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi produced a crucial save to preserve the advantage.
Katasi was again called into action in the 38th minute, tipping Kevin Wangaya’s dangerous long-range free kick over the bar. Moments later, Nairobi United came agonizingly close as Lennox Ogutu struck the woodwork following a scramble from a corner.
Leopards almost doubled their lead deep into first-half stoppage time when Tyson Otieno’s effort crashed against the post, leaving them narrowly ahead at the break.
The second half resumed with a brief scare for Leopards after Katasi went down injured in the 50th minute, though he initially continued before being replaced by James Ssetuba in the 61st minute due to the knock.
Nairobi United continued pushing for an equaliser, with Wangaya again influential from set pieces. In the 52nd minute, his delivery located Duncan Omala unmarked, but the striker’s glancing header drifted wide. Substitute goalkeeper Ssetuba later made an important intervention in the 68th minute, punching away a dangerous effort to maintain Leopards’ lead.
At the other end, Tyson Otieno nearly produced a spectacular goal from near the halfway line, forcing Nairobi United goalkeeper Kevin Oduor into a save.
Late drama followed as match-winner Ssenyonjo was stretchered off in the 87th minute after sustaining an injury, with Victor Omune coming on as Leopards managed the closing stages. Six minutes of added time were played, but Nairobi United failed to find a breakthrough.
The final whistle confirmed a 1–0 victory for AFC Leopards, with Ssenyonjo’s early goal separating the sides after an evenly contested encounter.
The win lifts Leopards to 46 points from 24 matches seven behind league leaders Gor Mahia having recorded 13 wins, seven draws and four defeats this season. Nairobi United, meanwhile, suffered their seventh loss of the campaign and remain ninth on 33 points from 22 matches.
