Mathare United F.C. produced a dominant second-half performance to defeat AFC Leopards 4–1 in the 2025/26 Sportpesa League Round 24 clash at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday March 14, 2026, dealing a significant blow to Leopards’ title ambitions.
The Slum Boys recovered from conceding early in the second half to score four late goals.
The match began at a lively pace with both teams looking to assert early control.
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 effort drifted wide of the target.
AFC Leopards responded moments later with attacking moves down the right flank. In the 13th minute, Victor Omune delivered a cross towards Tyson Otieno, but the he failed to connect.
Leopards continued to probe the Mathare defence and nearly broke the deadlock five minutes later. Fredrick Alushula swung in a cross from the right wing that again found Tyson Otieno, whose initial shot was blocked before the rebound effort went off target.
Mathare created their best opportunity of the opening half in the 25th minute when Elli Asieche found space inside the box to meet a cross from the left, but the chance went begging as the midfielder failed to convert.
AFC Leopards nearly took the lead in the 43rd minute when Alushula whipped in another dangerous delivery that found Omune, whose diving header narrowly missed the target. Just before halftime, John Makwata thought he had given Mathare the lead, but his strike was ruled out for offside, leaving the teams level at 0-0 at the break.
The second half resumed with AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani making an early substitution, introducing Kennedy Owino for Emmanuel Lwangu.
Leopards eventually broke the deadlock in the 61st minute. Ronald Sichenje delivered a precise pass into the six-yard area where captain Victor Omune calmly slotted home to give Ingwe a 1-0 advantage.
However, Mathare United responded emphatically in the final stages of the match. In the 77th minute, a cross from Paul Kinyanjui was poorly handled by Leopards goalkeeper Ssetuba, allowing Brian Ouru to capitalize and level the score at 1-1.
Ouru struck again six minutes later, finishing off 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, leaving Leopards stunned.
Deep into stoppage time, Ian Omondi added the fourth goal in the 90+5 minute to seal a commanding 4-1 victory for Mathare United.
The result lifts Mathare United from 13th to 12th place on the table with 29 points, while AFC Leopards remain second on 43 points and miss an opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Gor Mahia, who lead the standings with 50 points.
Elsewhere in Saturday’s fixtures, Nairobi United edged Sofapaka 1-0 at the Kasarani Annex courtesy of a Kevin Osanya goal.
Bandari FC and Mara Sugar played out a goalless draw at Kwale Stadium, while APS Bomet and Bidco United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Gusii Stadium, with goals from Hansel Ochieng and Marvin Amuka respectively.
Round 24 of the SportPesa League concludes on Sunday with four matches lined up.
2025/26 SportPesa League – Round 24 Results
Friday, 13 March 2026
Posta Rangers 2–0 Kenya Police
Saturday, 14 March 2026
Sofapaka 0–1 Nairobi United
Bandari FC 0–0 Mara Sugar
APS Bomet 1–1 Bidco United
Mathare United 4–1 AFC Leopards
Sunday, 15 March 2026
Shabana vs Kariobangi Sharks — Gusii Stadium, 2:00 PM
Tusker vs Kakamega Homeboyz — Wang’uru Stadium, 2:00 PM
KCB vs Murang’a Seal — Nyayo Stadium, 3:00 PM
Ulinzi Stars vs Gor Mahia — Ulinzi Sports Complex, 3:30 PM
