AFC Leopards finally have something to celebrate after securing their first victory of the 2026/27 SportPesa Premier League season, edging Kenya Police FC 2-1 in a dramatic encounter at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday.

Substitute Ronald Sichenje emerged as the hero of the evening, scoring deep into stoppage time to hand Ingwe all three points in a match filled with missed opportunities, controversy and late drama.

The victory provides a timely boost for head coach Fred Ambani and his players as they seek to establish themselves among the early contenders in the Kenyan top-flight league.

Leopards entered the fixture determined to improve on their opening performance, having settled for a goalless draw against Bandari FC.

The team showed greater attacking intent from the opening minutes, with James Kinyanjui and Samuel Ssenyonjo among those involved in moves aimed at breaking down the Kenya Police defence.

However, the Law Enforcers proved difficult opponents, matching Leopards in intensity and looking dangerous whenever they moved forward. Kenya Police had also begun their campaign with a draw, sharing the points in a 1-1 encounter against Migori Youth, and were equally determined to register their first victory of the season.

The first half was marked by controversy when Leopards believed they had scored through Tyson Otieno. His effort was cleared by the defending side, but the match officials ruled that the ball had not crossed the goal line.

The decision sparked protests from Leopards players and supporters, with tensions rising around the interval as the teams headed into the break level at 0-0.

Despite the frustration, Ingwe returned for the second half with renewed determination and found the breakthrough in the 49th minute through Kevin Luke Otiala.

The forward capitalized on a defensive lapse to put Leopards ahead, raising hopes that the visitors would finally collect their first win of the campaign.

Kenya Police, however, refused to surrender. The law enforcers increased their attacking pressure and restored parity around the hour mark, when Edward Omondi delivered a cutback into the penalty area, allowing experienced forward Elvis Rupia to finish from close range and make it 1-1.

The equalizer changed the complexion of the contest, forcing both sides to push for a winner as the match entered its closing stages.

Leopards continued searching for openings, knowing that another draw would leave them with only two points from their first two league matches.

Just when the contest appeared destined to end in a stalemate, Sichenje delivered the decisive moment in the 92nd minute. The substitute found an opportunity inside the penalty area and finished clinically, sparking celebrations among Leopards players and supporters.

His late strike transformed a tightly contested encounter into a memorable victory for the former Kenyan champions.

The result lifts AFC Leopards to four points from their opening two matches and provides renewed confidence as the season gathers momentum.

More importantly, it demonstrates the value of persistence, with the team continuing to search for a winning goal despite the pressure and frustration experienced earlier in the match.

For Kenya Police, the defeat represents a setback in their pursuit of a strong start to the campaign. Having fought back to level the score, the law enforcers will be disappointed to leave Nyayo without a point after conceding in stoppage time.

Leopards must now turn their attention to their next assignment against Shabana FC, scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium, with kick-off set for 4:15 p.m.

The fixture offer Ambani’s men an opportunity to build on their breakthrough victory and demonstrate that they can maintain consistency throughout the campaign.

With the league still in its early stages, the race for the title remains wide open.

For Ingwe, however, Sichenje’s last-gasp intervention has provided more than three points: It has restored belief, lifted the mood among supporters and given the team a platform from which to build momentum in the weeks ahead.

By John Brighton