AFC Leopards fail to lap up fluid Sugar in Mumias

AFC Leopards bid to narrow the gap with runaway leaders Sofapaka faultered yesterday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sony Sugar in a rescheduled Kenya Premier League match at Mumias Sugar Sports Complex. The draw saw Leopards maintain third position with 28 points, one behind Tusker and four behind Sofapaka.

The match had been earmarked for Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on May 20 but was postponed owing to leadership wrangles in Leopards. Playing under intense preasure to end the first season in second position, Ingwe started the match on a sound note with fine crisp passes. Allan Wanga, Mike Barasa and Iddrissa Rajab came close to scoring but the Sony defence stood firm.

A mix up in Leopards defence earned the Awendo side their first goal in the 40th minute. Captain Erick Masika and Jonas Nahimana’s confusion allowed Enock Agwanda to dribble past them before beating Barnabas Tiema with a sizzling shot. Undeterred by the early setback, Leopards started the second half a rejuvenated side and drew level in the 57th minute when Allan Wanga headed home a perfect cross from Mwangi.

The introduction of Jimmy Bageya, Charles Okwemba and Martin Imbalambala changed the game in Leopards’ favour but good goalkeeping by Wilson Obungu denied them maximum points. Leopards coach Jan Koops said they had expected to win but lady luck failed to smile on them. He blamed the draw on a slowish game in the first half which saw the team create few chances. Sony coach Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno said they played well but were unlucky not to have scored the winner.