AFC Leopards may have just found the antidote to what has been ailing them throughout this campaign, a proven winner.
Robert Matano’s return to the club he represented as player came with the end of a seven match win-less streak that stretches two months and was began by the
thrashing they endured at the hands of Gor Mahia.
The 1-0 away victory at Bandari of all places means that Leopards can no longer be looking with apprehension over their shoulders but must now focus on catching up with those ahead of them. With a two-time league winner at the helm, their could be no better coach in charge of Ingwe than the self-styled ‘lion’.
Youngster Marcelus Ingotsi struck in stoppage time to earn Leopards the three points that improved their tally to 19 points with one game remaining for their eighteen team league to reach the half-way stage.
Ingwe are 121th on the standings, which is a whole ten points behind current leaders Ulinzi Stars with Posta Rangers, Gor Mahai and Tusker following respectively with 28 points.
Kariobangi Sharks, meanwhile, were left ruing a missed opportunity following their goal-less draw at home to Kakamega Homeboyz. “We dominated the game but unfortunately, we didn’t create enough chances today. It’s not a bad result but we feel we could have come out with maximum points had we performed better in the final third,” said Sharks coach William Muluya.
In a game of few chances, Sharks enjoyed much of the possession with Mathew having the best chance to get us a goal before the break but his headed effort couldn’t find the target. Sanneh would also threaten the Homeboyz defence but his attempts proved futile.
The second half remained under Sharks’ control with Sven Yidah, Patilla Omoto, Duke Abuya and Elli Asieche pulling the strings in midfield. Masoud Juma was introduced midway through the half and the striker almost broke the deadlock when he connected with an Elli Asieche pass but his shot narrowly missed the target.
The match ended in a stalemate with the coach blaming his charges for not creating enough chances in the game. Sharks remain rooted in 5th place with 26 points after today’s result.