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 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League defending champions Tusker edged out AFC Leopards 1-0 in a drub encounter at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani yesterday.

Clement Mata, whom Ingwe off-loaded two seasons ago, made no mistake with a penalty kick in the 68th minute after an infringement inside the box to make all the difference with the match seemingly destined for a stalemate.

The scorer who started his career at National Super League side (NSL) side Dandora Love FC rarely troubled the Leopards’ defence of Peter Thiong’o, Robert Mudenyu and Washington Munene during which time the ball swung from one end to the other.

Instead, it was Tusker danger-man in Ugandan Deogratius Ojok who caused goal-threatening situations that were contained by a steady Leopards defence.

Leopards’ Brian Wanyama then had a sniff at Tusker’s goalmouth in the 54th minute but came late to pull the trigger moments after Ojo Olaniyi miscued his kick thus denying Ingwe an advantage at the resumption.

A few moments after Mata’s strike from the spot, Ojok caused pandemonium in the defence of Leopards who then introduced Boniface Mukhekhe for Jaffery Owiti with the changes bearing no fruits.

Start of the campaign

The tide would then change with Leopards looking more dangerous but efforts by Olaniyi, a two-goal hero in their 2-0 win over Ulinzi Stars at the start of the campaign, and Lewis Bandai both coming close.

Leopards deputy coach Tom “Gaza” Juma was unfazed by the defeat, saying that there is still light at the end of the tunnel for the big cats.

“I think I could be right when I say that we fired on all cylinders but this is football. We lost but I nonetheless think we are moving in the right direction. I must say that sooner rather than later, we shall return to our winning ways,” said Juma.

At Mbaraki Sports ground, KCB extended their Cinderella run in the season with a 1-0 win over hosts Bandari.

The lone goal was netted by John Mwangi after the half-hour mark.

In Ruaraka, Nairobi City Stars’ woes continued in a 2-1 defeat by FC Talanta.

Peter “Pinchez” Opiyo steered the Stars to an early lead in the third minute before Simba wa Nairobi gave leeway to the Bankers to hit back through goals by former Gor Mahia player Castro Ogendo and Gearson Likono.

Meanwhile, AFC Leopards National Executive Committee has appointed Winston Luchivia and Mary Repher Ayuma to sell the Jerseys.

According to reports from the club’s portal, the apparel will be available on the team’s match days.

For Mombasa residents, they can purchase the jerseys at Indian Ocean Forwarders and logistics situated along Kenyatta Avenue Mombasa opposite Associated Motors Spaki.

The club also announced that it is working on modalities of distributing the replicas to other parts of the country for easy access and purchase.