AFC Leopards and Shabana FC played out a dramatic 1-1 draw at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, in a match marked by drama, controversies, and rising tensions. Shabana took an early lead in the 19th minute through Kevin Omundi, who capitalized on a deflected free-kick. However, AFC Leopards equalized just before halftime, with Ovella Ochieng converting a well-crafted assist from Clifton Miheso. The second half saw both teams create chances, but neither could find the decisive goal.
Fans Flock Kenyatta Stadium
Machakos Stadium was packed to capacity for what was the fourth-ever league clash between AFC Leopards and Shabana. By 3:30 PM, the terraces were fully occupied, and fans were still struggling to gain access, with some even forcing their way in and overpowering stewards. The atmosphere was electric, with both sets of supporters passionately backing their teams.
Shabana dominated the first half, taking an early lead through Kevin Omundi in the 18th minute. AFC Leopards’ fans were relatively quiet until Ovella Ochieng’s equalizer, which shifted the momentum. In the second half, Leopards pushed forward and created multiple chances, particularly from set-pieces, but failed to convert them, leading to frustration among their fans. Kennedy Owino played a key role in rallying the crowd, briefly stepping off the bench to encourage them.
Evenly Balanced Game
While Shabana had the upper hand in the first half, the second half saw AFC Leopards asserting more control. Shabana’s wing play, led by Darius Msagha and Brian Michira, caused problems for Leopards’ defense, while Keith Imbali dictated play with his precise passing. Kevin Omundi’s ability to split the defense further troubled the opposition.
Despite their dominance, Shabana failed to capitalize on key chances, allowing AFC Leopards to find their rhythm after Ochieng’s equalizer. In the latter stages of the match, Shabana opted for a counter-attacking strategy, but their opportunities were limited. Given the balance of play, a draw was a fair result.
Tensions Galore
The high-stakes nature of the match led to inevitable tensions. In the 10th minute, play was halted when a section of AFC Leopards fans in the East Stand reacted to Shabana supporters’ celebratory singing and dancing. Security officers had to intervene, deploying a tear gas canister to disperse the agitated fans, which resulted in two stands being evacuated for the remainder of the game.
Another incident occurred in the VIP section midway through the second half when a minor altercation broke out between fans from both sides. However, this situation was controlled more effectively by security personnel.
Controversial Refereeing Decision
The match saw controversial refereeing decisions, with one of the most debated moments occurring in the 77th minute. Shabana fans were convinced that Lewis Bandi should have been sent off for pulling down Dennis Oketch when he was through on goal, arguing that it was a professional last-man foul. However, TV replays indicated that Bandi was not the last defender, making the referee’s decision justifiable despite the protests from Shabana supporters.
Growing Rivalry
This clash highlighted the potential for AFC Leopards and Shabana FC to develop a fierce rivalry, possibly surpassing the traditional Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia. Since Shabana’s return to the top flight, the meetings between these two teams have been highly competitive and emotionally charged.
Their first significant encounter took place on October 1, 2023, ending in a 1-1 draw. In their next meeting on March 31, 2024, AFC Leopards secured a narrow 1-0 victory. However, Shabana responded strongly, winning 4-3 on June 15, 2024, and 2-1 on November 27, 2024.
Shabana fans have even begun claiming dominance over AFC Leopards, humorously referring to them as their “wives” due to their superior head-to-head record in recent matches. With such a competitive history, future encounters promise to be even more intense, solidifying this fixture as one of the most exciting in Kenyan football.
