AFC Leopards were left holding their breath after center back Emmanuel Lwangu limped out of Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Sofapaka, raising fresh concerns about the defender’s availability as Ingwe chase a long-awaited league crown.
Knock forces early exit
Lwangu, making his fourth straight start for the Leopards this season, lasted just one half at Kasarani Stadium before being replaced by Randi Bakari at the interval. The former Green Commandos man picked up a leg knock in the first half that curtailed his involvement and saw him hobble around the pitch with strapping on his left knee during the customary lap of appreciation.
Coach Ambani explains decision
Head coach Fred Ambani revealed the substitution was precautionary after a post-match interview with Azam TV. “He got injured during the first half,” Ambani said. “He had a knock which injured one of his muscles, to the point that he could not run, nor make a pass.” Ambani added that he spoke with Lwangu before deciding to take him off, and expressed hope for a swift return.
Defensive partnership hitting form
Lwangu’s absence would be a blow for a Leopards backline that has tightened since his inclusion. In the four matches he started, AFC Leopards won all four and conceded only once, and his growing partnership with Kayci Odhiambo had begun to look like the defensive spine Ambani has been searching for.
Stakes for the title push
With the club chasing its first FKF Premier League title in 28 years, Lwangu’s fitness is more than a squad concern — it is a potential turning point in Ingwe’s campaign. Ambani has previously praised Lwangu’s mentality and physicality, calling him a possible solution to earlier centre-back woes after the defender’s impressive showing against Nairobi United on 7 January.
What comes next
The Leopards will now wait on scans and treatment updates before knowing the severity of the knock. For now, the club will hope that a short spell on the sidelines is all that separates them from keeping their defensive momentum intact as the title race intensifies.
