AFC Leopards revive FKF Premier League title hopes with win

AFC Leopards stayed on course to challenge rivals Gor Mahia for the FKF Premier League title after they defeated Mara Sugar 2-1 to close in on the gap on Saturday.

Ingwe were playing for the first time since they lost 1-0 against Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji derby on Sunday, April 26. Their game against Ulinzi Stars which was slated for the past weekend was postponed to allow the soldiers play their FKF Cup fixture.

 

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With AFC not playing, Gor Mahia took the advantage to move nine points clear at the top of the 18-team Premier League table following their 1-0 win against Kakamega Homeboyz at Mumias Complex last Sunday.

Leopards looked the better side

However, AFC Leopards returned to action on Saturday and they secured a vital win which helped them to cut Gor Mahia’s lead to six points. Despite reducing the lead, Gor Mahia still have a game in hand against Kenya Police FC.

Against Mara Sugar, Leopards looked the better side with James Kinyanjui missing a host of chances. However, Leopards managed to take the lead in the 23th minute when Kinyanjui’s pass found Hassan Beja, who fired home from close range.

The lead saw Leopards under coach Fred Ambani continue to search for more and they missed another great opportunity when Kinyanjui saw his left-footed effort go inches wide.

However, Mara Sugar levelled the scores from the penalty spot. The advancing Dennis Cheruiyot was fouled by Kayci Odhiambo and captain Daniel Openda stepped up to level the scores, and it was game on.

The two sides went into the half-time break tied at 1-1. At the start of the second period, it was Leopards, who started the strongest side once again.

However, they had to wait until the 78th minute when Omune pounced onto a rebound ball to find the back of the net. The victory saw Leopards add their point tally 58 from 17 wins, seven draws, and six defeats.

AFC Leopards have three matches to conclude the season against Homeboyz, APS Bomet, and Bidco United.

FKF Premier League results;

AFC Leopards 2-1 Mara Sugar
Shabana 0-0 Ulinzi Stars

Monday;
Posta Rangers vs Sofapaka