Toothless AFC Leopards can't hunt like they used to

AFC Leopards' Beja Hassan (right) reacts in their FKF Premier League match against Sofapaka at Machakos Stadium, on Saturday. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

AFC Leopards' woes deepened in the ongoing 2023-2024 FKF Premier League season after they drew 1-1 against Sofapaka over the weekend.

This is their seventh draw of the campaign. The former giants find themselves caught in a worrying trend, languishing in the relegation zone and grappling with the absence of victory in their last four league matches.

Under the guidance of coach Tomas Trucha, Leopards have struggled to find consistency, securing only one win; 1-0 against Nzoia Sugar in October.

The 12-time Kenyan champions have managed just one win in 12 games and are currently 14th in the league standings with 10 points, just one point above the relegation zone.

The draw against Sofapaka emphasises the need for a turnaround in form for AFC Leopards, who are grappling with both consistency and goal-scoring challenges.

The team's performance this season is far from the standards expected of a club with such a rich history in Kenyan football.

Meanwhile, the FKF Premier League title race is intensifying, with unlikely leaders Posta Rangers and defending champions Gor Mahia emerging as the front-runners.

Posta Rangers maintained their stellar start to the season by defeating newcomers Shabana 3-1 on Saturday, holding firm at the top of the 18-club standings with 25 points.

Rangers, led by John Kamau, have won seven matches, drawn four, and lost only once. Their solid all-round performance has positioned them as a team to watch in the current campaign.

Defending champions Gor Mahia are second with 24 points. The Green Army secured a 2-0 victory against Muhoroni Youth at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Sunday.

Gor Mahia, the only unbeaten team this season, have won six times and drawn six in their 12 rounds of matches played, showcasing their resilience and determination to retain the title.

In the individual accolades race, Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla has taken the lead in the top goal-scoring charts with eight goals.

Omalla, who finished with 26 goals last season, is eyeing his maiden golden boot award after narrowly missing out to Elvis Rupia in the previous season, where Rupia netted 27 goals.

As AFC Leopards grapple with their struggles, the FKF Premier League promises more excitement and competition at the top with Posta Rangers and Gor Mahia leading the charge in what is shaping up to be a thrilling and unpredictable season.