AFC Leopards fought back to register a 2-1 win over Wazito FC in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League meeting at the Utalii ground on Saturday.
Michael Owino had put the hosts in front, but a goal from Bienvenue Shaka and Elvis Rupia's penalty ensured Ingwe emerged as winners after losing the previous game against Mathare United.
AFC Leopards began the meeting as the stronger side and won three consecutive corners in the first two minutes, but were unable to get a meaningful result.
The crossbar denied Austin Odhiambo in the 12th minute after the attacking midfielder manoeuvred his way into the Wazito penalty area before he launched a ferocious shot.
The clearest first chance for Wazito came in the 33rd minute when Kenya U23 star Musa Masika created himself some space, but he struck a curling effort from inside the area that went wide.
In the 35th minute, Wazito opened the score after Benjamin Ochan failed to stop Kevin Kimani's free-kick - Johnstone Omurwa collected the rebound and passed it to Owino, who slotted it home.
Ingwe could have equalised, but Fidel Origa was alert and quick to make a goalline clearance in the 37th minute as the visitors attacked in search of a goal.
After the half-time break, Patrick Aussems made two changes as Isaac Kipyegon - the new captain - made way for Clyde Senaji, while Rupia - Kipyegon's assistant - replaced Odhiambo in the 46th minute.
The changes re-energised AFC Leopards, especially on the attacking front, and the local heavyweights equalised through Shaka's effort in the 58th minute.
Aussems made further changes a minute after the hour mark, introducing Peter Thiong'o and Marvin Nabwire for Olilo and Eugene Mukangula, respectively.
Wazito's Francis Kimanzi made changes in the 80th minute by introducing Brian Musa, Whyvonne Isuza and Vincent Oburu for Ellie Asieche, Owino and Origa, respectively.
After applying pressure on Wazito continuously, AFC Leopards won an 89th-minute penalty which was converted by Rupia to make the score 2-1.
As a result, Ingwe are above Gor Mahia - who were defeated by Western Stima - and are now third on the log Kenya with 40 points, four behind leaders Tusker.
Wazito FC XI: Fredrick Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango, Johnstone Omurwa, Maurice Owino, Fidel Origa, Amos Asembeka, Ellie Asieche, Musa Maika, Kevin Kimani, Michael Owino.
Subs: Levis Opiyo, Whyvonne Isuza, Dennis Shikhayi, Ronald Ashimoto, Boniface Omondi, Vincent Oburu, Eric Otieno, Musa Brian, Njire Dennis.AFC Leopards XI: Benjamin Ochan, Collins Shivachi, Lewis Bandi, Robert Mudenyu, Isaac Kipyegon, Eugene Mukangula, Harrison Mwendwa, Tsuma Said, Bienvenue Shaka, Austin Odhiambo, Caleb Olilo.
Subs: John Oyemba, Washington Munene, Clyde Senaji, Brian Wanyama, Elvis Rupia, Boniface Mukhekhe, Hansel Ochieng.
