Ingwe claim second win
AFC Leopards are brimming with confidence after their second win of the BetKing Premier League after a 2-0 win over newcomers Bidco United yesterday.
Burly striker Elvis Rupiah was at the end of both goals in what was a physical contest at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The first half was somewhat cagey with both teams trying to find rhythm with the biggest highlight being Bidco United goalkeeper Adisa Omar being booked for foul mouthing the referee.
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Ingwe then settled in the game with midfield dominance led by Said Tsuma and Austin Odhiambo.
However, the gritty visitors were more intent on playing spoiler with defensive midfielders Victor Ayugi and Zachary Gathu being at the end of many fouls.
Upfront both sets of forwards were blunt in the first half with Bidco’s Piston Mutamba and Emmanuel Mokaya failing to get clear cut chances past Leopards goalkeeper John Oyemba. On the other end, the attack trio of Rupiah, Jaffery Owiti and Caleb Olilo had chances after opening up the opposing defence.
In the second half, Leopards came alive with swift counter attacking football that completely unsettled the opponents.
Owiti and Olilo in particular were adventurous while Odhiambo‘s power drives and trickery on the ball and in spaces had many in awe.
The first goal had a build up effect to it after Owiti and Shaka combined on the left flank to tee Rupiah for the opener in the 69th minute. Despite being rattled, Bidco stepped up with veteran Stephen Waruru and David Orem trying to create space but to no avail as the hawk eyed captain Robinson Kamura and Collins Shichenje alongside wingbacks Yusuf Mainge and Isaac Kipyegon were up to the task.Stephen Waruru was to have a penalty claim denied by referee Israel Mpaima sparking protests.
In the 84th minute, a quick counter from Said Tsuma saw an unchecked Riobinson Kamura who passed a 30 yarder to Rupiah who expertly lobbed the ball first time through his left foot as goalkeeper Adisa Omar was rushing to clear the ball with stopper Francis Oduor left rooted
Wasted choices
The second was ingenious but the build up from Kamura was a masterstroke that had his coach Anthony Kimani giving him the thumbs up.
“First half was ours, we lost our chances though. The lesson was that we gave our opponents too much respect.
We have to go back to the drawing board and review.We know we can do better,” said Anthony Akhulia.
Elsewhere, Sofapaka got their fist win of the campaign with a 3-1 win over visiting Western Stima at Wundanyi Stadium,Taita Taveta.
Kakamega Homeboyz came from the back to settle for a 1-1 draw with visiting Posta Rangers at Bukhungu Stadium.
Sammy Odero opened the scores for Rangers in the fourth minute while Homeboyz captain Allan Wanga scored the equalizer through a 78th minute penalty.
At Utalii Grounds,Tusker FC and Bandari went goalless in what was considerably a drab match even as the coastal side wasted a host of chances.
