FOOTBALL
AFC Leopards Eugene Mukangula dribbles past Peter Gin of Nzoia FC during an FKF Premier league match at Ruaraka grounds. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]
Caleb Olilo netted in the first half to inspire AFC Leopards to an important 1-0 victory over Nzoia Sugar FC in a tight Football Kenya Federation Premier League match played at Ruaraka grounds which hosted a double header on Saturday.
In Mombasa, two penalties were converted as Bandari FC rallied from a goal down to salvage a point after a 1-1 draw against Bidco United at Mbaraki Grounds.
Former Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru had given Bidco a narrow 1-0 lead from the spot in the 68th minute before William Waridi levelled the score in the 74th minute also through the penalty spot.
After superb dribbling, Austin Odhiambo came close to breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute but his final shot was stopped by Nzoia Sugar s Benson Mangala.
A minute late, Ingwe almost went behind after a misunderstanding at the back between the defenders and goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan. However, they recovered and cleared the danger.
Odhiambo once more found a way past the Nzoia Sugar defenders but his shot went out with Mangala beaten in goal in the 17th minute. Cliff Kasuti was the first player to be booked after a rough challenge on Leopards Fabrice Mugheni.
Ochan then saved Ingwe on two occasions when Nzoia Sugar found a way into the box in quick succession at the half-hour mark. Shortly after, Elvis Rupia almost punished his former side but his shot hit the woodwork and the rebound was cleared by the recovering visitors.
Yusuf Mwinge of AFC Leopards dribbles past Dancan Otewa [down] of Bandari during an FKF Premier League match in Mombasa on 19th February 2021. [Omondi Onyango, The Standard]
Ugandan midfielder William Wadri scored a brace in a span of eight minutes as Bandari silenced AFC Leopards 2-1 in Friday’s FKF Premier League match in Mombasa.
While the defeat was a rude welcome for the newly appointed Ingwe coach Patrick Aussems in the league, for Bandari’s Cassa Mbungo, the win helped him prove a point against his former employers.
It took only three minutes for Wadri to break the deadlock before doubling the lead in the 11th minute. Marvin Nabwire pulled a goal back for AFC Leopards in the 22nd minute but the dockers held their nerves to hand the fifth placed Ingwe their third loss of the season and go level on 19 points.
Defenders
Yusuf Mainge, Washington Munene, Robinson Kamura, Isaac Kipyegon, Robert Mudenyu, Collins Shivachi, Omar Somobwana, Clyde Senaji, Lewis Bandi.
Midfielders
Said Tsuma, Peter Thiong’o, Gideon Waja, Fabrice Mugheni, Boniface Mukhekhe, Eugene Mukangula, Collins Shichenje, Austin Odhiambo, Marvin Nabwire, Jaffery Awiti, Musa Saad.
Forwards
Harrison Mwendwa, Elvis Rupia, Hansel Ochieng, Bienvenue Shaka, Steven Otieno, Caleb Olilo, Peter Thiong o.
Just like Bandari’s case, Aussems has every player at his disposal and will want to ensure he starts his reign at the club on a positive note.
Ahead of their FKF Shield Cup fixture, Aussems explained his main concern was the tactical aspect of the team which he said they must improve before their next league assignment.