AFC Leopards returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 3-0 thumping
of Sofapaka in a Kenyan Premier League clash at City Stadium.
Looking for only their second win since Luc Eymael took over,
Leopards got off to a dream start when Paul Were danced past a couple of
defenders before firing past David Okello for the opener.
Sofapaka sought a quick response and should have gotten one from
Elli Asieche after fine build up and a pass from Obadiah Tarumbwa but he
blasted over with just goalkeeper Patrick Matasi to beat.
Two minutes later, John Baraza got another open chance after a fine
pass from captain James Situma but he shot straight at the keeper.
With Sofapaka still searching for the equaliser, they were stung by
an Allan Wanga header in the 29th minute off an Edwin Wafula free-kick
and it only got worse for Sofapaka as striker Obadiah Tarumbwa was
cautioned for a foul on Abbas Kiwalaabye.
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| Were and Wanga: Image Courtesy |
They almost conceded a third shortly afterwards with new national
team call-up Edwin Seda crashing a shot against the bar with a fierce
shot on the volley after connecting with a Paul Were cross.
Sofapaka coach David Ouma had seen enough and withdrew former AFC
Leopards man Collins Kisuya for Danson Kago in a bid to get something
from the game but the two-goal cushion stood at the break.
Sofapaka introduced Patrick Kagogo and Bob Mugalia at the restart in
place of the anonymous Hillary Echesa and Koko Manopi but their presence
did little to stop AFC Leopards, who, 20 minutes into the second half,
added a third through Paul Were who scored after a cross from Seda.
The result sees AFC Leopards leap two places to ninth with 17 points
while Sofapaka drop a place to third with 21 after Bandari’s win over
Chemelil Sugar........SuperSports