NAIROBI, Kenya - AFC Leopards' aspirations for the 2025/26 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title were dealt a significant blow on Sunday, November 23, 2025, after they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by a resilient Kariobangi Sharks at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The result, played out before a vocal crowd, saw Leopards fail to close the gap on league leaders, while providing only minimal relief for a Sharks side mired in a desperate battle for survival.

The match began with Leopards, acutely aware of the pressure from their supporters, starting on the front foot. A banner on the terraces reading, "Winners don't give excuses," served as a stark reminder of the fans' expectations. Despite their initial dominance, it was Kariobangi Sharks who struck first against the run of play. In the eighth minute, a swift counter-attack saw Humphrey Aroko break through the Leopards' defence, beating Randi Bakari and Vincent Mahiga before firing a shot past goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi to give the hosts an unexpected lead.

The early goal visibly unsettled AFC Leopards, who struggled to regain their composure and rhythm. Their passing became disjointed, and they found it difficult to break down a well-organised Sharks defence. Leopards' best chance of the first half came in the 27th minute when captain Victor Omune skillfully dribbled past the Sharks' defence, only to see his shot from a tight angle hit the side netting.

Second Half Resurgence Salvages a Point

Following the halftime break, AFC Leopards emerged with renewed purpose. Coach Fred Ambani's side increased the pressure, mounting several attacks and earning a series of corners. Their persistence nearly paid off around the hour mark when a powerful header from Kelly Madada was cleared off the line in a crucial defensive intervention by Sharks' Zablon Kutela.

The breakthrough for Leopards finally came in the 61st minute. Following a foul on the right wing, James Kinyanjui delivered a precise free-kick into the penalty area, where Victor Omune rose highest to head home the equaliser, salvaging a point for his team. Despite pushing for a winner in the remaining minutes, Leopards could not find a way past the determined Sharks, who held on for a vital point.

Implications for Both Clubs

The draw leaves AFC Leopards in third place on the league table with 14 points from nine matches, a position that puts them behind league leaders Gor Mahia and second-placed Kakamega Homeboyz. This result follows a disappointing run for Leopards, who had dropped four points in their previous two matches, including a 2-0 loss to Mara Sugar and a goalless draw against Murang'a SEAL. Coach Fred Ambani, while praising Omune's performance, also expressed frustration with the match officiating in his post-match comments.

For Kariobangi Sharks, the point does little to alleviate their relegation fears. They remain 17th in the 18-team league with just seven points. The team has managed only one win in the campaign so far. Sharks' assistant coach Edward Seda, standing in for head coach William Muluya who is on international duty, stated that Leopards were fortunate 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. He also noted that the injury to goal-scorer Aroko in the second half forced a tactical change.

Looking ahead, AFC Leopards face a monumental challenge as they prepare for the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby against arch-rivals Gor Mahia on November 30. The outcome of that match will be critical in shaping the trajectory of their season and their quest for a long-awaited league title.