Ronald Sichenje became a Shujaa off the bench, rescuing AFC Leopards with a late strike as Ingwe secured their first 2026/27 SportPesa League victory after a hard-fought 1-2 win over Kenya Police on Tuesday afternoon at Nyayo National Stadium.
Ingwe’s triumph came at the perfect moment, with Sichenje earning the Shujaa of the Day accolade as Kenyans celebrated the nation’s 63rd Mashujaa Day. The victory also ensured last season’s curse of three consecutive draws did not spill into the new campaign.
The Fred Ambani men desperately needed the win to announce themselves as title contenders for the crown they’re chasing for the first time in 28 years, and also bounce back to a winning start after their goalless opener with Bandari FC last week.
Elvis Rupia appeared to have secured the hosts another point of the season after cancelling out KevinLuke Otiala’s opener, only for Bebeto to shatter those hopes and seal the victory for the 12 time champions.
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Ingwe made their intentions clear from the outset. In the fourth minute, they came close to taking an early lead following a slick combination between Tyson Otieno and Kelly Madada down the left flank.
Madada picked out Samwel Ssenyonjo, who turned sharply before unleashing a low effort towards the near bottom corner. However, host custodian Job Ochieng reacted brilliantly to keep the ball out, while Adama Kanteh failed to capitalise on the rebound, sending his effort over the bar.
Kenya Police’s first notable opportunity arrived two minutes after the half-hour mark when Brian Mzee won a free kick on the left wing.
His whipped delivery dropped invitingly inside the box, where Edward Omondi found himself well-positioned to shoot, only for his effort to be blocked. The follow-up was also intercepted.
Ingwe dominated the first half, but their promising attacks repeatedly met resistance from Police goalkeeper Ochieng, who produced crucial saves in the closing stages.
First, Kanteh fired over the bar before Tyson Otieno danced past the Police defence, leaving several defenders stranded before unleashing a powerful strike that Ochieng brilliantly kept out.
A minute later, Madada, operating on the right, unleashed a low drive that Ochieng managed to parry away, keeping his side in the contest as both teams headed into the break locked in a stalemate.
After being frustrated in the opening period, Ingwe returned for the second half determined to break the deadlock. Just two minutes after the restart, they drew first blood through new signing Otiala, who joined from Kariobangi Sharks.
Otiala was perfectly positioned inside the box to finish off a well-worked set piece. Samwel Semo’s delivery from a free kick on the left sailed past the defensive line and goalkeeper Ochieng, whose fingertips made contact with the ball but could not prevent it from finding the net.
Kenya Police had a golden opportunity to respond in the 55th minute when Ingwe committed numbers forward in search of a second goal, leaving space for a counterattack.
Rupia released a superb switch of play to Yves Koutiama, who found himself with a clear opening on the left. However, his effort struck the woodwork, denying the hosts an equaliser.
The Law Enforcers refused to back down and restored parity a minute before thehour mark through Rupia.
The striker connected with a well-timed cross from Edward Omondi on the left wing, who had beaten his marker, Kayci Odhiambo, before delivering the ball into the danger zone.
Both teams continued to trade attacking blows in an entertaining contest, but the drama was far from over. Just when it seemed the points would be shared, AFC Leopards found another gear.
Super-sub Victor Otieno made a telling impact with a slick play on the right flank before whipping the ball into the box.
Bebeto kept his composure, struck with his left foot and guided the ball into the far corner beyond Ochieng in the 92nd minute, sparking celebrations among the Ingwe faithful.
The dramatic late winner handed AFC Leopards their first three points of the campaign and set the stage for another thrilling encounter over the weekend, when Shabana FC will be waiting.
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