Boniface Munyendo celebrates after scoring against Sofapaka/ HANDOUTSkipper Kennedy Owino says AFC Leopards must strike early when they face Nairobi United in their second SportPesa League match of the season.
Leopards opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sofapaka at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Satala Djafari gave Batoto ba Mungu an early lead, before Boniface Munyendo equalised for Leopards in the 22nd minute.
Owino admitted the early goal threw their tactical plan off balance.
“Conceding first was our biggest challenge. We started well, but after that goal, our game plan was disrupted,” he observed.
Owino stressed the importance of getting on the scoresheet first.
“In the next game, we need to ensure we’re in front so we don’t give the opponent a chance. That’s key for our plan to work,” he said.
“We need to keep the ball more. After conceding, we started losing it cheaply, and that hurt us.”
“Our performance wasn’t good enough. We need to sit down, go back to the drawing board, and fix those mistakes.”
Still, the skipper drew encouragement from their fighting spirit.
Sofapaka, on the other hand, face Gor Mahia next and head coach Ezekiel Akwana is keen to chalk up all three points.
“Our plan is always to score within the first 20 minutes. We managed to do that within five (against Leopards),” he said. “We play Gor next, and must prepare well. I believe the boys will perform.”
Last season, Gor beat Sofapaka 2-0 in the first leg, while the return match ended 1-1. Sofapaka have raised their ambitions this season.
“Last season, I targeted a top-eight finish, and we came seventh. This time, we’re going for the top five.”
