With Canada gearing up to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto and Vancouver, there has been a noticeable surge in football interest across the nation. This heightened awareness is inspiring a new generation of talent, fostering the growth of teams, clubs, and promoting the development of community football tournaments and programs. Among the teams riding this wave is the Kenyan outfit, AFC Leopards Toronto.

Since its inception last year, AFC Leopards Toronto has been making significant impact, with its rapid ascent culminating in a remarkable debut at the third annual Pamoja Soccer Tournament. The event, held at Brampton Soccer Centre in Ontario, saw the team reach the final. The tournament is meticulously organized by the Kenyan Canadian Association (KCA), with valuable support from partners such as the City of Brampton and the Pamoja Canada Diaspora Sacco, ensuring the successful execution of the football showdown.

The final match was a highly anticipated affair, with a packed stadium witnessing AFC Leopards Toronto challenge the seasoned Zanzibar Heroes. The Zanzibar Heroes were also keenly pursuing their first tournament glory, having secured silver in the two previous editions held in 2023 and 2024. The teams engaged in an intense battle, resulting in a 2-2 tie at halftime. However, in the dying minutes of the game, AFC Leopards Toronto faltered, allowing Zanzibar Heroes to net four quick goals, ultimately winning the energy-sapping encounter 6-2.

Despite the loss, AFC Leopards Toronto captain Gabriel Warunga expressed pride in their performance. He noted, "We put up a spirited fight despite the teething challenges we are facing as a team. We are happy to have reached this far in our debut in the tournament." Warunga attributed their success in reaching the final to teamwork, discipline, and resilience, even amidst limited funding and logistical constraints. Looking ahead, he conveyed optimism, stating, "We believe we can lift the overall trophy if we maintain this level of focus next season." Warunga also appealed to the KCA leadership for assistance in engaging municipalities across the Greater Toronto Area to secure free training fields for their players, many of whom reside within the GTA, believing this support would significantly strengthen the team and help nurture young talent.

Zanzibar Heroes captain Ali Faki attributed their championship victory to their high-level organizational skills and prior experience. He explained, "After coming second in the tournament twice, we went back to the drawing board and rectified our loopholes. This is what gave us grit throughout the tense encounter." In addition to securing the tournament trophy, Zanzibar Heroes also claimed the top players' awards.