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AFC Leopards’ head coach, Thomas Trucha has expressed his disappointment at conceding an early goal against Sofapaka over the weekend.

Leopards had to rally to secure a draw after conceding just seconds into the game. Trucha stated that they unintentionally broke a record they aimed to avoid in the match.

AFC Leopards wrong record

“I mentioned before the match that we aimed to break a record, and unfortunately, we did, but it was the wrong one. We conceded very early, just 26 seconds into the game,” Trucha said in his post-match interview.

He emphasized that conceding early disrupted their momentum, particularly in their offensive efforts, which ultimately affected their ability to secure maximum points.

“It was a silly goal that altered the momentum of the game. Despite our efforts to regroup and change our approach, we managed to score a goal. However, our biggest challenge was finishing. We had numerous opportunities but failed to capitalize on them. Finishing was indeed a major issue for us,” he concluded.

Leopards have lost only one match this year, and against Sofapaka, Batoto ba Mungu stunned them by taking the lead in the second minute through Rodgers Kipkemboi.

Despite chances for both sides, including Darius Msagha hitting the post for Sofapaka and Levis Opiyo making crucial saves for AFC Leopards, the first real chance for Leopards came in the 37th minute through Kayci Odhiambo’s off-target volley.

AFC Leopards efforts

Arthur Gitego also had opportunities to equalize for Leopards before halftime, but his efforts went unconverted.

In the second half, Omune finally equalized for AFC Leopards in the 58th minute. Despite Sofapaka’s efforts to regain the lead, including another chance for Msagha saved by Opiyo, the score remained level.

The draw leaves AFC Leopards in the eighth position with 36 points, while Sofapaka sits 15th, slightly above the relegation zone, with 28 points.