Ssenyonjo hat-trick fires AFC Leopards past Tusker at Nyayo
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 11, 2026AFC Leopards thrashed Tusker FC 4-0 in a dominant display at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, January 11, 2026, to extend their lead at the top of the Kenyan Premier League.
Samuel Ssenyonjo stole the show, scoring a hat-trick to put Ingwe firmly in control. Ronald Sichenje added the fourth goal in the second half to seal the emphatic win.
The match started at a fast pace, with both sides creating early chances. Fifteen minutes in, Ssenyonjo opened the scoring after receiving a well-timed pass from James Kinyanjui on the right wing. He calmly beat the defender and the goalkeeper to give AFC Leopards the lead.
Ssenyonjo doubled the advantage later in the first half with a close-range finish.
Ronald Sichenje capped off the scoring with a smart finish in the 50th minute.
Tusker struggled to cope with Leopards’ attacking threat and failed to create clear-cut opportunities. Their defence was repeatedly tested, and Ssenyonjo’s movement caused constant problems for the Brewers. Ssenyonjo completed his hat-trick, firing in from the penalty spot to put the visitors 4-0 up by the 71st minute.
Leopards stay top
The win allows AFC Leopards to maintain their position at the summit with 30 points from 16 matches, two points clear of second-placed Gor Mahia, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium earlier in the day. Tusker remain fifth on 24 points after the defeat.
Before the game, Tusker coach Charles Okere had emphasised the importance of his team’s preparation after a three-week break.
“It’s about psychology and readiness. AFC Leopards are in good form, so we need to match their intensity,” Okere said. Despite his team’s effort, Tusker could not respond to Leopards’ clinical finishing.
AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani earlier praised his side’s performance but noted areas for improvement.
The victory also continues AFC Leopards’ strong away form, extending their unbeaten run on the road.
With this result, the league title race remains tightly contested. Gor Mahia, Leopards, and Kakamega Homeboyz are all within striking distance at the top, making the coming fixtures crucial.