AFC Leopards players during a past match. [Photo/ barakafm.org]
AFC Leopards bounced back to winning ways with a 1-0 hard fought victory against Muhoroni Youth in a Kenya Premier League match played at the KPA Mbaraki Sports Club on Sunday.
Ingwe who traveled to Mombasa on the back of a loss to Chemelil Sugar last weekend were firm favourites to bag maximum points against James Omondi-coached side and did not disappoint.The KPL giants started the encounter on a high note with Andrew Tololwa giving Muhoroni Youth's defense a hard time. However, his first shot of the game was easily intercepted by Yusuf Abdallah who had a hard time containing the former Mathare United striker.On the quarter hour mark, Allan Kateregga’s shot went just inches wide after Duncan Otieno’s defense-splitting pass.On the 35th minute, Leopards initiated a swift counterattack with Whyvonne Isuza dropping a cross into the path of Kateregga who did not hesitate to head past the onrushing Muhoroni custodian Sowedi Salim.Four minutes later, Leopards nearly added a second goal. However, Otieno’s weak free-kick was easily saved by Salim.After the break, Ingwe came back with renewed energy in their bid to put the match beyond the reach of their opponents. However, their efforts were thwarted by the sugar millers’ back-line that sat in a rigid defensive shape.The closest Leopards came to scoring was through Gilbert Fiamenyo who saw his shot saved by the ever-alert Salim.Any little attempt by Muhoroni Youth to salvage at a least point was too little too late as they finally lost to Leopards for the first time since 2015.Following the win, Stewart Hall-coached side moved 4th on the log with Muhoroni lying just one place above the relegation zone.