Mara Sugar stunned AFC Leopards 2–0 in Awendo this afternoon, ending the visitors’ 14-match unbeaten league run in dramatic fashion thanks to a late brace from substitute Dennis Cheruyiot.
The opening half was a test of patience and structure, with AFC Leopards dictating much of the tempo but struggling to break through Mara Sugar’s compact defensive setup. Kelly Madada was the liveliest in attack for Leopards, forcing the first save of the match midway through the half with a long-range attempt that tested the home keeper’s alertness. Moments later, Madada threaded a clever pass to Ellias Mugane, but the forward’s effort went off for a throw-in, summing up Leopards’ frustration in front of goal.
As halftime approached, James Kinyanjui’s pinpoint delivery almost found Mugane again, but the striker could not keep his header on target. The first 45 minutes ended goalless, Mara Sugar content to sit deep and absorb pressure while Leopards pushed for a breakthrough that never came.
The second half began with both sides showing intent. Mara Sugar introduced Felix Opiyo immediately after the restart, while Leopards continued to look sharp on the wings, Madada once again threatening with a near-post attempt that flew wide. Head coach Boniface Ambani sought to inject more attacking energy just before the hour mark, making a double change as Kayci Odhiambo and Ronald Sichenje replaced Madada and Hassan Beja.
The hosts responded by bringing on Dennis Cheruyiot, a move that would later prove decisive. Leopards continued to pile forward, and in the 78th minute came agonizingly close when Emmanuel Lwangu’s powerful header from Kinyanjui’s corner shaved the post, drawing gasps from both sets of fans.
Just when it looked like the game was heading for a stalemate, Mara Sugar struck in the 88th minute. Substitute Cheruyiot, perfectly placed inside the area, swept home the opener to send the Green Stadium crowd into jubilation. The forward wasn’t done yet—deep into stoppage time, he latched onto another opportunity to double the advantage, sealing a famous win for the hosts and leaving Leopards shell-shocked.
The brace carried special significance for the 24-year-old forward, who last season suffered a career-threatening injury while playing against Shabana. Cheruyiot sustained a left distal fibula fracture that sidelined him for months.
It was a remarkable turnaround for Mara Sugar, who had been under scrutiny in recent weeks after dropping a two-goal lead against Sofapaka and dealing with the indefinite suspension of their goalkeeper. The victory provided a massive lift, showing renewed resolve and tactical discipline.
For AFC Leopards, the defeat brought to an end their impressive unbeaten streak stretching back to last season. Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, Ambani’s men lacked the cutting edge to turn control into goals,a costly shortcoming against a resilient Mara Sugar side that made their few chances count.
