With barely an hour left before kick-off at Kericho Green Stadium, AFC Leopards face what could be one of their most decisive matches of the season against a resurgent APS Bomet side in a high-stakes KPL encounter.

The match has suddenly become the centre of attention across the country following the suspension of Gor Mahia’s scheduled clash against Mara Sugar by the Sports Disputes Tribunal after disagreements involving the clubs and FKF over the match venue.

That development has handed Ingwe a huge opportunity to breathe fresh life into their title ambitions. Victory in Kericho would reduce the gap at the top to just one point and pile pressure on Gor Mahia heading into the final stretch of the KPL season. However, defeat for Leopards would mathematically crown Gor Mahia champions with two matches still left to play.

Fred Ambani’s side head into the fixture sitting second on 64 points and carrying momentum from three straight victories over Mara Sugar, Ulinzi Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz. Their recent resurgence followed back-to-back defeats against Gor Mahia and Kenya Police FC.

Leopards have also established themselves as the league’s strongest away side this season, collecting 33 points on the road through 10 wins and three draws, a record they will hope gives them an edge in Kericho.

But standing in their way is an APS Bomet side that has transformed into one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Under coach Sammy Omollo, popularly known as “Pamzo,” the league debutants have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround after spending much of the campaign fighting relegation. A run that rewarded Pamzo with Coach of the month Award.

Bomet now come into the clash unbeaten in 9 matches, with 6 consecutive wins forming part of that impressive run. Even more remarkable is their defensive form, having kept clean sheets in their last 8 matches.

Their impressive rise has reportedly been further motivated by lucrative bonuses from club patron Kipchumba Murkomen, with players and members of the technical bench said to receive Ksh.50,000 after every victory.

Another positive result against AFC Leopards would further cement APS Bomet’s growing reputation as one of the league’s surprise packages this season while simultaneously giving Gor Mahia a massive boost in the title race.

When the two sides met earlier in the campaign at Nyayo Stadium, AFC Leopards came from behind to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory, and APS Bomet will be eager to settle the score in front of their home supporters.