KPL roundup: AFC Leopards and APS Bomet bounce back, Homeboyz close in on top spot

After weeks of frustration, both AFC Leopards and APS Bomet finally broke their winless runs dramatically on Saturday, marking a turning point in their Kenyan Premier League campaigns.

APS Bomet secured their first-ever top-flight victory with a spirited 2–1 comeback over Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Annex, while AFC Leopards defeated KCB 2–1 at Ulinzi Sports Complex. Elsewhere, Kakamega Homeboyz went joint top after a 3–1 win over Ulinzi Stars at Bukhungu Stadium.

APS Bomet’s long search for a win in the top tier finally came to an end after a dramatic 2–1 comeback victory against Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Annex.

The “Black Berets,” as they are known, had lost all their previous three matches since joining the league, but on Saturday, they showed resilience and heart to overturn a 1–0 deficit.

Kariobangi Sharks had started strongly, showing their trademark attacking flair. Their early dominance paid off in the 10th minute when Markvivan Kesa, the in-form striker signed from Naivas FC, opened the scoring with a fine finish, his second goal in as many games.

The Sharks continued to control the tempo through Zablon Kutela and Humphrey Aroko, but wastefulness in front of goal cost them dearly. APS Bomet’s goalkeeper Cetric kept his side alive with crucial saves, including one to deny Kesa a second in the 67th minute.

Then came the twist. In the final ten minutes, APS Bomet came alive. Substitute Cantona equalised in the 82nd minute with a stunning direct freekick before Wasai, another substitute, completed the turnaround two minutes later with a composed finish after a clever through pass.

Despite the Sharks’ late efforts, including a stoppage-time header from Joseph Mwangi that went wide, Bomet held on to celebrate their historic first victory.

At Ulinzi, AFC Leopards, popularly known as Ingwe ya Matere, finally gave their fans something to cheer about after clinching their first win of the season, beating KCB 2–1 in an intense clash at Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Leopards came flying out of the blocks, taking the lead in just the second minute through Boniface Munyendo, who finished off a fine move started by Kinyanjui and Ssenyonjo on the right flank. The early goal set the tone as the AFC dominated possession and created several chances before halftime.

KCB, however, regrouped after the break and equalised in the 55th minute through Francis Kahiro, who made an immediate impact barely ten minutes after coming on.

But the AFC’s determination shone through. In the 72nd minute, Christopher Koloti restored their lead, capitalising on a perfectly timed delivery from Ronald Sichenje to slot home and seal the win.

The victory ended the AFC’s frustrating run of three consecutive draws and lifted the mood around the camp as fans celebrated a long-awaited three points.

At Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega Homeboyz continued their strong start to the season with a convincing 3–1 victory over Ulinzi Stars.

Goals from Henry Omolo, Hillary Juma, and Estone Esiye sealed the win for Homeboyz, while Boniface Muchiri scored the lone goal for Ulinzi. Despite playing the final 20 minutes with ten men following Omolo’s red card, Homeboyz held firm to move joint top of the league with 10 points.

Other Topics To Read

• Football
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• Kariobangi Sharks
• AFC Leopards
• Ulinzi Stars
• Kenyan Premier League
• APS Bomet
• KPL roundup: AFC Leopards and APS Bomet bounce back
• Homeboyz close in on top spot