After a number of missed opportunities, Zoo finally broke the deadlock in the 45th minute when Castro Lihanda delivered a cross that was controlled by Tayo, whose effort was cleared, but the ball fellto Onchwari to slot home from a second rebound.
Vihiga United were unable to get an equaliser in the entirety of the second half as Zoo picked up maximum points for the first time in the ongoing campaign.
At Moi Stadium, Wazito were defeated 1-0 by Western Stima as the goal by Baron Oketch handed the Kisumu club the first-ever win over the Nairobi club.
Oketch scored in the 28th-minute and Francis Kimanzi made a change in the 37th minute when he withdrew Vincent Oburu for Michael Owino.
Mathare United’s first chance in the first half came in the 22nd minute when Daniel Otieno attempted a close-range effort but Humphrey Katasi did well to parry away the ferocious shot.
Nzoia’s head coach Ibrahim Shikanda made a change in the 49th minute when he introduced Ian Simiyu for Phillip Muchuma in order to add a sharper cutting edge for the striking department.
Despite the change, the Millers conceded in the 55th minute when Kinyanjui headed past Katasi after connecting to a cross delivered by Tyson Otieno. Three minutes later, Klinsman Omulanga was yellow carded as Salim Ali made a change by introducing John Mwangi for Danson Kago.
The hosts created yet another promising chance in the 13th minute but Nicholas Meja’s attempt hit the woodwork and the ball went out as Western Stima got a minute to re-strategise against a determined opponent.
Kenga again was in the middle of a well-engineered move in the 17th minute when he manoeuvred along the right-wing and outfoxed Baron Oketch before he laid the ball on William Wadri’s path. The Ugandan could not get an opener though as he shot wide despite having no opponent close.
Bandari, who are yet to confirm a new head coach – although they are in talks with Casa Mbungo – since Ken Odhiambo left for Sofapaka, wasted another chance in the 20th minute. Danson Chetambe dribbled past a number of Western Stima opponents, squared the ball for Mohamed Siraj and the midfielder put a low cross in to Darius Msagha but the forward failed to tap home from close range.
Ingwe’s new signing came as the hosts launched attacks that the visitors clearly struggled to contain.
Western Stima failed to strike in the 27th minute when Robinson Kamura conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position as he fouled Laban Otieno. Baron Oketch took the free-kick but his effort went out, thus denying the Powermen a likely opener.
From when the second half started to the time the first goal was scored, AFC Leopards threatened on numerous occasions but Western Stima were able to thwart the danger presented.
Elvis Rupia, who has been inspirational in the last three games, was substituted in the 89th minute as coach Anthony Kimani brought on Bienvenue Shaka in an attempt to secure a winning goal.