AFC Leopards produced a thrilling late turnaround to hand Shabana FC a 2–1 defeat at Gusii Stadium in a Wednesday afternoon SportPesa League encounter, extending their unbeaten start to the season while deepening the misery for the Kisii-based side, who have now suffered 3 consecutive home losses.

The atmosphere was charged from kickoff, with the home side determined to bounce back from their previous setbacks. Shabana started the brighter of the two, forcing the first corner of the match in the third minute, which was well dealt with by the Leopards’ backline. The hosts, however, kept pushing and were rewarded in the 10th minute when Austin Odongo struck through a free kick, nodding in a header to give Shabana a deserved early lead, sparking loud cheers from the Gusii faithful.

Leopards responded immediately with intent, as winger James Kinyanjui’s dangerous cross found Bonface Munyendo, whose effort went narrowly over the bar in the 12th minute. Munyendo came close again two minutes later, his shot taking a deflection for a corner, but Shabana’s defense cleared their lines under pressure. Despite dominating stretches of possession, AFC Leopards couldn’t find a breakthrough before the interval.

At halftime, coach Fred Ambani made his first change, introducing Christopher Kaloti for Samuel Ssenyonjo to add more energy in attack. The visitors returned for the second half with renewed purpose and made several tactical adjustments, later bringing on Sichenje, Omune, and Masaba to increase the attacking threat.

The impact was instant. In the 72nd minute, substitute Julius Masaba combined beautifully with Victor Omune, who tapped home from close range to restore parity for the Leopards. The goal injected belief into the visitors, who pushed forward relentlessly in search of a winner.

Their persistence paid off in the 88th minute when James Kinyanjui’s precise corner delivery caused panic in the Shabana box, leading to an unfortunate own goal that handed AFC Leopards the lead in dramatic fashion. Despite Shabana’s late attempts to salvage a point, the visitors held firm to seal a memorable comeback victory.

The win propels AFC Leopards to fourth place on the log, level on points with record holders Gor Mahia, while Shabana’s struggles continue as they drop to seventh, still searching for stability after a difficult run of home form.

It was a statement win for Fred Ambani’s side, who remain unbeaten and increasingly confident as the SportPesa League gains momentum.

In other matches played, league leaders Kakamega Homeboyz extended their lead at the top after a hard-fought 2–1 win over newcomers APS Bomet at Kericho Green Stadium. John Omondi opened the scoring in the fifth minute before APS drew level, but Boniface Onyango restored Homeboyz’s lead in the 49th minute to seal the points.

Tusker FC’s resurgence also continued as they edged Kariobangi Sharks 2–1 in a tense encounter at Sportpesa Arena, Murang’a. The Brewers looked comfortable until Sharks pulled one back in the 83rd minute through Faiz Opande, but Charles Okere men held their nerve to claim victory and rise to sixth, pulling themselves clear of the relegation zone.

The last match of the day saw Bidco United continue their impressive run, this time handing Ulinzi Stars a 2–1 defeat just days after the soldiers parted ways with head coach Danstun Nyaudo. Interim coach Stephen Ochola began his tenure on the wrong foot as Bidco struck twice in quick succession ;Collins Okello opening the scoring in the 56th minute before super sub Victor Kunyili doubled the lead three minutes later. Ulinzi Stars managed to pull one back through a Boniface Muchiri penalty, but Bidco held firm to claim all three points to propel them to 2nd on the log.