Mara Sugar end Leopards’ unbeaten run as Nairobi United punish struggling Sharks
The match seemed destined for a draw until Cheruiyot rose highest to head in Owili’s free-kick in the 87th minute, before striking again deep into stoppage time to seal a famous win for Edward Manoah’s side.
It was a day of contrasting emotions in the FKF Premier League as Mara Sugar stunned AFC Leopards 2-0 at Awendo Green Stadium, ending Ingwe’s unbeaten start to the season.
Meanwhile, league newcomers Nairobi United continued their impressive home form with a 4-2 demolition of struggling Kariobangi Sharks at Dandora Stadium.
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A late brace from substitute Dennis Cheruiyot secured Mara Sugar’s first home victory of the season and handed AFC Leopards their first defeat of the 2025/26 campaign.
The match seemed destined for a draw until Cheruiyot rose highest to head in Owili’s free-kick in the 87th minute, before striking again deep into stoppage time to seal a famous win for Edward Manoah’s side.
Leopards, who arrived in Awendo riding high after three consecutive wins without conceding, were left frustrated as their push for top spot was derailed by a resilient and tactically disciplined Mara Sugar outfit.
The opening exchanges were cagey, with both sides struggling to find rhythm in a scrappy first half that produced few clear chances. Timothy Ndayala came closest for Mara early on, glancing a header narrowly wide, while Elias Mugane missed Leopards’ best opportunity before the break after being played through by Kelly Madada.
At halftime, neither side had registered a shot on target, the goalless scoreline reflecting a half of more perspiration than inspiration.
The second half saw a surge in urgency from both teams. Manoah introduced Cheruiyot for David Omondi on the hour mark, a substitution that would prove decisive.
Leopards' boss Fred Ambani responded with multiple attacking changes, including Victor Omune and Julius Masaba, but their efforts were blunted by Mara’s compact defensive shape, expertly marshalled by Drona Langa and Robinson Musungu.
With the game seemingly heading for a stalemate, the deadlock was broken three minutes from time. Owili’s curling free-kick was met by Cheruiyot’s towering header, igniting jubilation among the home supporters.
Leopards threw men forward in search of an equaliser but were caught on the counter in stoppage time when Cheruiyot latched onto a through ball and finished coolly past Humphrey Katasi to seal the 2-0 victory.
The result lifted Mara Sugar to seventh place with 10 points, easing pressure after a string of draws, while Leopards remained third on 12 points, their unbeaten run halted at six matches.
At Dandora Stadium, Nairobi United showcased their attacking prowess with a commanding 4-2 win over Kariobangi Sharks, further compounding the visitors’ early-season struggles.
A brace from Michael Karamor, along with goals from Enock Machaka and Lesley Owino, secured maximum points for Nicholas Muyoti’s side, who continue to impress in their debut top-flight campaign.
Sharks, who have struggled for form, briefly showed fight through goals from Frankline Amolo and Humphrey Aroko, but defensive lapses once again proved costly.
The match began with energy and intensity. Although Sharks took the lead through Amolo, their advantage was short-lived as Karamor equalised midway through the first half. Nairobi United then seized control, with Owino putting them ahead before Machaka extended the lead to 3–1 before halftime.
In the second half, Karamor added his second to make it 4-1, putting the contest beyond reach. Aroko’s strike in the 66th minute reduced the deficit, but it was too little, too late for the visitors.
Despite a raft of substitutions from William Muluya, Sharks failed to recover, their defence repeatedly undone by Nairobi United’s quick interchanges and clinical finishing.
The result lifted Nairobi United to fifth place on the league table, continuing their strong start to life in the Premier League, while Sharks slipped deeper into trouble, remaining in the lower reaches with just six points from eight matches.
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