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AFC Leopards will now face Compel FC in the Football Kenya Federation Cup quarterfinal after beating Shabana in Kisumu on March 31, 2024.

Kayci Odhiambo scored the goal in favour of Ingwe in the second half to dispatch Tore Bobe, who looked a more solid side than they have been in the past.

Arthur Gitego, who has had to quell rumours around his future, could have broken the deadlock in the 10th minute, but he was denied by the post. 

The Rwandan forward did well to spot Jaffari Owiti in a good goal-scoring position in the 15th minute, but the former missed what was the Leopards’ second biggest chance at Mamboleo Stadium.

Shabana’s call for a penalty in the 31st minute was dismissed. Ezekiel Omuri looked to have been brought forward by Vincent Mahiga, but despite spirited protests from the National Super League champions, their call for a penalty was disregarded.

Tore Bobe survived a scare in the later minutes of the first half; Odhiambo delivered a freekick that was headed by Gitego and stopped by Shabana’s goalkeeper, Fredrick Odhiambo. The ball was half-cleared, and it landed in Musa Oundo’s path, who failed to beat the goalkeeper from close range.

Odhiambo finally found the back of the net in the 57th minute when he headed in a freekick delivered by Miheso.

All along, Shabana looked solid at the back and lethal when attacking, and they could have seen their effort rewarded in the 87th minute when some confusion arose inside Ingwe’s penalty box. 

Kevin Kimani managed to clear the dangerous ball as AFC Leopards breathed a sigh of relief amid relentless attacks from Tore Bobe.

AFC Leopards, in the end, managed a slim win over a spirited opponent and had their dream of lifting a trophy this season much alive.

The next stage of the domestic competition will be staged between April 27 and 28.

FKF Cup quarterfinal lineup: 

Kenya Police FC vs Sofapaka FC

AFC Leopards vs Compel FC

KCB FC vs Kakamega Homeboyz FC

SS Assad vs Kariobangi Sharks FC