From the days of winning the league unbeaten to the present times of being Gor Mahia’s punching bag in the Mashemeji Derby, AFC leopards have come a long way to into establishing themselves as one of the most successful teams in Kenya and the larger East African region.
Ingwe boasts one of the most prestigious feats in the history of Kenyan football to date – winning the league unbeaten in 1986 was no mean fate.
That year, Ingwe alongside archrivals Gor Mahia were eliminated from the preliminaries of the CECAFA cup which they had dominated for nearly 10 years.
Despite the poor form, Leopards regrouped to win the National League in convincing fashion. The team won 33 out of 38 matches, drawing five and losing none, amassing a staggering 71 points, 10 points ahead of second-placed Gor Mahia and 21 ahead of third-placed Scarlet.
In that season, a win was two points while a draw was a point
The team had the best squad during that season with new players such Ben Gachie from Re-Union, Dann Musuku and Peter Owade “Zimbo” from Motcom and Wycliff Anyangu from Bata Bullets teaming up with the regular veterans to form one of the best club squads in the history of local football.
Omar Shaban in goal was unbeatable with a brick wall of Mickey Weche and Wycliffe Anyangu in front of him.
Ingwe’s midfield was a sight to behold, boasting an array of stars that would put the current squad to shame. John Shoto Lukoye and Keffa Tasso were the engines in that team.
Upfront, Leopards had the firepower to challenge any team on the continent with the likes of Dan Musuku, Wilberforce Mulamba and Patrick Shim scoring goals for fun.
