AFC Leopards’ sharp claws puncture Nairobi City Stars
By Joel Sang, January 21, 2024
AFC Leopards registered their third successive win of the season after winning by a 2-0 margin against Nairobi City Stars at Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.
The result points to the rejuvenated AFC Leopards now operating as a solid and lethal side after starting the season poorly. On the other hand, City Stars’ effort to hunt for an eighth straight Football Kenya Federation Premier League win came to an end.
Meanwhile, Ingwe’s first chance came in the 10th minute when Clifton Miheso found himself in a promising position to score, but Edwin Mukolwe’s save ensured City Stars did not concede an early goal. Two minutes later, Mukolwe was called to action again when he denied Jaffari Owiti, the scorer of the winning goal in the previous match against Muhoroni Youth, a chance to break the deadlock.
It was an end-to-end affair at Bukhungu as Vincent Owino also tested AFC Leopards’ Levin Opiyo in the 14th minute with a powerful low drive. Another chance for Owino, who is among the best strikers this season so far, came in the 22nd minute, but Opiyo was equal to the task.
After a goalless first half, Maxwell Otieno broke the deadlock in favour of AFC Leopards three minutes into the second half.
A chance to extend the lead emerged in the 50th minute when Mukolwe spilt the ball in front of Hassan Beja, who was unable to find the back of the net from close range.
Changes for AFC Leopards saw Cliff Nyakeya and Victor Omune come in for Beja and Otieno just after the hour mark.
Kevin Kimani, who transfer rumours have it that he would leave the den, scored the second goal for Ingwe in the 73rd minute. Kimani’s goal came after City Stars failed to capitalise on their prior chances before conceding again.
It was a bad day for Simba wa Nairobi, who did not score and deny Ingwe a clean sheet when Owino failed to beat Opiyo in a close situation a minute before the end of regulation time.
Leopards also had a late chance, but Dennis Oalo failed to hit the target in a one-on-one situation.
Starting XIs:
AFC Leopards: Levis Opiyo, Aziz Okaka, Vincent Mahiga, Randi Bakari, Kayci Odhiambo, Mousa Oundo, Jaffari Owiti, Bonface Kweyu, Maxwell Otieno, Clifton Miheso, Beja Hassan
Nairobi City Stars: Edwin Mukolwe, Calvins Opollo, Edwin Buliba, Timothy Muganda, Wycliff Omondi, Elvis Noor, Clifford Otieno, Vincent Owino, Samuel Kapen, Mohamed Ali, Robinson Asemwa