Leopards sell the hope to a restless fanbase, but what are their title prospects?

With nine matches remaining to wrap up the Kenyan Premier League 2025/26 season, AFC Leopards are facing a litmus test in their bid to end the long title drought.

Rivals Gor Mahia have opened up a seven-point buffer at the head of the table, putting Ingwe under pressure to win every match left if they are to catch with K’Ogalo.

Ingwe are second on the 18-team log with 49 points, after 25 matches played.

The 12-time league champions have been inconsistent compared to K’Ogalo who have won four and a draw in their last five matches while the former have only registered three wins and two defeats.

While the record 21 league champions have silenced the likes of Shabana, Ulinzi Stars, Mathare United and KCB, Leopards dropped points in the hands of Mathare United and KCB before beating Tusker FC which has slowed their pace to catch up.

Will they pull an unprecedented masterstroke to come from behind and elbow Gor to the gong?

“First of all, as I told you earlier, when the game runs in your favour you will have your way but the reverse will also be as it may,” Leopards coach Fred Ambani said, offering a reflective tone to his team’s win against the brewers.

He went on: “I want to thank my players for that brilliant character and the most important thing which is a win.

 “I am here to work and I will do my best to give it all at this wonderful club and the players have really given their all. We keep on with the work and nothing else.”

The decisive moment came when Ambani made a bold substitution in the second half.

He explained that midfielder Sichenje had signaled fatigue, prompting him to bring on Hassan Beja with clear instructions to exploit spaces in the box. The change paid off as Beja scored the crucial goal that sealed the victory.

 “At half time, Sichenje (Collins) had said that he was running out of gas because it was not possible to execute the assignment we had deployed him to handle. That’s why Beja took it with thanks and helped the team with the crucial goal he scored,” Ambani added.

The win keeps Leopards firmly in the title race, showing both the tactical acumen of their coach and the fighting spirit of the squad.

With Gor Mahia still ahead, Ambani’s side will need to maintain consistency and belief as the season heads to the homestretch