AFC Leopards beat Kariobangi Sharks as KCB switch off
By Charles Thuku, January 25, 2021
AFC Leopards continued with their impressive run in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF)Premier League after blitzing Kariobangi Sharks 2-0 at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani Annex yesterday.
However, Ingwe who broke the unbeaten run of KCB last weekend paid a very heavy price for the win after their indefatigable defender Fabrice Mugheni was sent off in the dying minutes of the match for a second bookable offense.
Leopards held onto their nerve in the early exchanges and Elvis Rupia, who has established himself as one of the utility players in the team, drove them into the lead in the 13th minute after outpacing his markers to rifle in a shot past Brian Bwire between Sharks posts.
As the game wore on, there were some nervy moments in Leopards danger zone, Sharks’ Eric Kapaito making a menacing run with his angled shot going agonizingly wide.
But it was Rupia’s presence which was mostly felt at the juncture with the former Nzoia Sugar and Zambia’s Power Dynamos striker causing all sorts of problems to Sharks backline of Daniel Sakari, Boniface Onyango, Geoffrey Lemu and Samuel Olwande.
Despite Sharks gradually coming into the game rather late, Leopards continued asking all questions on their defence and were taken aback when Jaffrey Odeny scored Leopards second goal in added time.
Meanwhile, KCB reclaimed the league lead by beating Western Stima 3-1 at United 2-0 at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
KCB, whose egos were bruised by Leopards a week ago in a 2-1 beating, took the lead in the 26th minute when Simon Abuko converted a penalty.