Injury setback for Ingwe as Mugane is sidelined, Alushula nears return

FKF Premier League leaders AFC Leopards have suffered a major setback in their title push after striker Elias Mugane was ruled out for the remainder of the 2025–2026 season with a serious knee injury.

Ingwe confirmed on Thursday, January 1, that Mugane underwent surgery after tearing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament during a training session in November.

The forward, who joined the club in September following a prolific National Super League campaign, sustained a complete ACL rupture, a Grade Three tear of the medial meniscus, and a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament complex.

Mugane, last season’s NSL top scorer, went under the knife on December 9, effectively bringing his debut top-flight campaign to a premature end. His injury compounds a frustrating start to life at the den, where he had struggled to find the back of the net before being sidelined.

The injury blow was further deepened with news that left-back Vincent Mahiga will miss Leopards’ upcoming Ingo Derby clash against Kakamega Homeboyz. 

Mahiga picked up an ankle injury during a league match against Kariobangi Sharks on November 23 and is still awaiting further medical assessment to determine the severity of the issue.

Despite the concerns, there was positive news from the Leopards’ camp ahead of the new year. Key defender Fredrick Alushula is edging closer to a return after resuming full team training following a lengthy layoff.

The right-back had been ruled out in June after suffering a Grade Two tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus during an FKF Cup Round of 16 tie against Mara Sugar in March.

Alushula’s return is expected to significantly bolster Ingwe’s defensive options as the league enters a crucial phase. 

The former Kariobangi Sharks defender brings experience and stability to a backline that has been one of the strongest in the division this season.

Leopards head into their first fixture of 2026 at Nyayo Stadium sitting top of the FKF Premier League standings with 24 points from 13 matches, having suffered just one defeat so far. 

However, the coming weeks will test their depth and resilience, with a demanding January schedule that includes the Ingo Derby against Kakamega Homeboyz, a tough away trip to Tusker FC, and a home encounter against AS Bomet.