John Makwata scored a brace as AFC Leopards scrapped a 2-1 win over Sofapaka in a highly-physical Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Narok County Stadium yesterday.

Makwata’s first goal in the 13th minute could easily pass as one of the classiest since the 2019/20 season kicked off on August 31.

From a defence-splitting cross, the former Ulinzi Stars and Build on of Zambia striker picked his spot before releasing a thunderbolt with his weaker left foot to the top right side of the net, giving Sofapaka goalkeeper Richard Aimo no chance.

The second goal was also a masterpiece of sorts when Makwata was teed up by Dennis Sikayi to let fly a dipping header and into the net.

Leopards, who moved to the second position after the victory, showed intent to score early in the match with three consecutive corner kicks all which went to waste.

Eugene Mukangula missed the first real chance in the third minute before Sofapaka replied with their own five minutes later, Elly Asieche forcing Leopards goalkeeper Benjakmin Ochan into a top drawer save.

But if Leopards were phenomenal in the first half, they fizzled out in the second, soaking raid after raid from Sofapaka which yielded Batoto Ba Mungu’s consolation goal from second-half substitute Ronald Okoth.

A goalmouth scramble in Leopards territory gave Allan Katwe space to fire the ball which hit the post before Okoth scored with a free header eight minutes from the end.

In a match played earlier at the same venue, Wazito and Posta Rangers played to a barren draw.

Wazito, under new coach Melis Medo, had a large chunk of the early exchanges which did not count with Joe Withera and Pistone Mutamba guilty of most wasted chances.

Waithera, who was a thorn in Rangers defence, ought to have put Wazito ahead in the fourth minute but Rangers goalkeeper Jairus Adira was up to the task with a half volley.

On the other end, Francis Nambute of Rangers thrice had a chance of beating Wazito goalkeeper Kevin Omondi but skied his effort.