AFC Leopards beat KCCA 1-0 in pre-season friendly ahead of new campaign

AFC Leopards beat Uganda’s KCCA FC 1-0 at Nyayo Stadium in a pre-season friendly, putting an early marker down ahead of the new campaign. James Kinyanjui scored in first-half stoppage time to decide the meeting.

Leopards controlled much of the opening period, keeping possession for long spells and moving the game through midfield. Tyson Otieno helped set the tempo with his passing and disrupted KCCA’s attempts to build attacks.

Samuel Ssenyonjo, facing his former club, applied pressure to the Ugandan defence, while Kinyanjui repeatedly created problems with his movement. KCCA defended in numbers for much of the half, but Leopards eventually found a way through just before the interval.

The Kenyan side continued to create openings after the restart and remained the more threatening team. KCCA improved its defensive organisation, using blocks and interceptions to prevent a second goal, while Leopards managed the closing stages without surrendering their lead.

KCCA pushed for an equaliser but struggled to turn possession in the final third into clear chances. Rushed passes repeatedly ended their attacks before they could seriously test the Leopards defence, allowing the home side to protect its advantage.

The victory gives Leopards an encouraging start to preparations after their second-place finish in the 2025/26 FKF Premier League. KCCA also finished second in Uganda’s top flight, where they collected 62 points from 19 wins while chasing champions Vipers.

The result places Leopards’ progress in the wider Kenyan picture alongside champions Gor Mahia. Gor finished first in the 2025 FKF Premier League with 69 points from 34 matches, recording 20 wins, nine draws and five defeats. Their recent form has included defeats by Vipers and Nairobi United, a draw with Mara Sugar and wins over APR and Murang’a SEAL. Gor’s next league fixture is against Murang’a SEAL on August 29, 2026.