AFC Leopards’ hopes of ending their long wait for the KPL title came crashing down on Sunday after a 2-1 defeat to APS Bomet at Kericho Green Stadium handed rivals Gor Mahia the 2025/26 championship.
Heading into the match, Ingwe knew the equation was simple , avoid defeat and keep the title race alive. Anything less than victory, however, would officially crown Gor Mahia champions with two matches still remaining in the season. But against a confident and in-form APS Bomet side, AFC Leopards failed to rise to the occasion.
The league newcomers once again showed why they have become one of the surprise teams of the season, extending their remarkable unbeaten run with another composed performance in front of home supporters.
The first half remained tense and evenly balanced, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. AFC Leopards threatened late in the opening period when Tyson Otieno nearly broke through, only for APS Bomet goalkeeper Maxwell Mulili to react sharply and keep the scores level.
After the break, the hosts took control. APS Bomet increased the tempo, attacking aggressively through the flanks, and eventually broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Kelly Madada lost possession in midfield, allowing the hosts to launch a quick attack before Phillip Wasai calmly curled the ball past the goalkeeper to ignite celebrations inside the stadium.
Leopards were still recovering when APS Bomet struck again moments later.
A swift transition exposed gaps in Ingwe’s defence, and Festus Kipkemoi delivered a dangerous cross into the box where Wasai rose highest to head home his second goal of the afternoon.
At 2-0 down, AFC Leopards looked stunned as their fading title hopes slipped further away.
The visitors managed to pull one back late on after Edward Masembe accidentally turned the ball into his own net, but the goal came too late to inspire a comeback.
The final whistle not only confirmed AFC Leopards’ defeat but also officially handed Gor Mahia a record-extending 22nd league title.
Celebrations immediately erupted at Gor Mahia’s team hotel in Homa Bay, where players and technical staff had remained in camp awaiting further direction after the Sports Disputes Tribunal suspended their scheduled clash against Mara Sugar following disagreements involving the clubs and FKF over the match venue.
The Gor Mahia squad followed the AFC Leopards match live on Azam TV before erupting into wild celebrations once the result was confirmed.
For AFC Leopards, the defeat extends a painful wait for league glory that has now stretched beyond two decades despite showing promise during sections of the campaign.
Meanwhile, APS Bomet’s remarkable rise continues to attract attention across the league. Under coach Sammy Omollo, the debutants have now gone 10 matches unbeaten, winning eight consecutively while building one of the strongest defensive records in the division.
What once appeared to be a relegation battle has now transformed into one of the stories of the season, with APS Bomet not only securing survival comfortably but also playing a decisive role in determining the destination of the 2025/26 KPL title.
