AFC Leopards reduced Gor Mahia’s lead at the summit of the SportPesa League to just three points following a 2-1 win over Posta Rangersat the Nyayo Stadium.
First-half goals from Kayci Odhiambo and Kelly Madada were enough to deliver the crucial three points despite a second-half strike from Robert Ponda, which in the end proved to be a consolation.
Ingwe headed into the match on the back of a barren draw against Bandari FC that left them with 37 points, six shy of their arch-rivals and league leaders Gor Mahia.
Posta, on the other hand, were 12th with 24 points, enduring a poor run of form having failed to win their previous eight matches.
The win piled more misery on Posta Rangers, whose winless run has now stretched to nine league matches.
Beyond the three points, Ingwe also snapped their own three-game winless streak against the Mailmen.
The victory – their 11th of the season, extended their unbeaten run to six matches, staying second place on 40 points.
However, that gap might be short-lived, as K’Ogalo will be watching closely before their clash with KCB FC on Sunday, looking to extend the lead back to six points, even though Ingwe still have a game in hand.
AFC Leopards vs Posta Rangers SportPesa League Round 21 lineups
Ingwe: Humprey Katasi, Brian Wanyama, Emmanuel Lwangu, Kayci Odhiambo, Samuel Semo, Mousa Oundo, Tyson Otieno, Kelly Madada, James Kinyanjui, Samuel Ssenyonjo, Ronald Sichenje.
Posta Rangers: Fredrick Odhiambo, Leon Kimungui, Benard Ondikek, Faustine Ojiambo, Dimpol Omamo, Kevin Juma, Shem Odinga, Elvis Osok, Caleb Kalwesi, Veron Ombima, Brian Marita.
Kariobangi Sharks 1-1 Mathare United
In a slum derby, Kariobangi Sharks battled to a 1-1 draw with the 2008 league champions Mathare United at the Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi.
John Mark Makwatta punished his former team by scoring for Mathare in the 46th minute before Kevin Otiala restored parity in the 78th minute.
The draw pulled Sharks out of the relegation zone to 14th on the log with 19 points, while Mathare remained 11th with 26 points.
Nairobi United 3-0 Bidco United
In the other matches of the day, Nairobi United secured a 3-0 win over Bidco United in their return to domestic football after their CAF Confederation Cup exit with goals from mid-season acquisition.
The defending Mozzart Bet Cup champions found the back of the net through new signings Mustapha Kizza, Kevin Wangaya and Benson Omalla.
Nairobi United vs Bidco United SportPesa League lineups Round 21
Nairobi United XI:: Bernard Jairo (GK), Steve Biko, Lennox Ogutu, Kepha Aswani, Mustapha Kizza, Brian Omondi (C), Brian Magare, Kevin Wangaya, Shami Kibwana, Benson Omala, Gideon Otieno.
Bidco United XI:: John Otieno (GK), Kalama (C), Wainaina, Idris, Okola (sent off), Bodo, Raila, Nyabuti, Akite, Munala.
Murang’a Seal 2-3 Bandari FC
At the St. Sebastian Park in Murang’a, two times FKF Cup champions Bandari FC completed a brilliant comeback to secure a 3-2 victory over Murang’a Seal.
Kakamega Homeboyz 2 Sofapaka 0
Kakamega Homeboyz emphatically dispatched Sofapaka FC 2-0 in the opening fixture of Round 21, putting on a composed display at Bukhungu Stadium.
After Henry Omollo was brought down 25 yards from goal, Eston Omengo stepped up and delivered a teasing ball into the danger area.
Goalkeeper Brian Olang’o failed to deal decisively with the delivery, spilling it into the path of Thiongo, who reacted quickest to nod into an empty net and hand Homeboyz a dream start.
Ten minutes from time, Batambuze sealed the victory spectacularly.
After Erick Okutu was brought down on the right flank, the Ugandan international stepped up and curled a sublime free-kick delivery that evaded Olang’o and dipped into the net, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home faithful.
It marked Homeboyz’s first victory in nearly three months, lifting them to third on the log and cutting the gap to Gor Mahia to nine points in their pursuit of a historic first FKF Premier League title.
For Sofapaka, however, the defeat deepens their troubles. Rooted at the foot of the table with 14 points, the 2009 champions now face the grim reality of a looming relegation battle, one that threatens to end their 17-year stay in the top flight.
