Zoo FC stun AFC Leopards to win Mashujaa Cup

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Zoo FC stun AFC Leopards to win Mashujaa Cup

Friday 20th October, 2023 08:42 PM| By Collins Amanga

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Zoo FC pulled off an upset by defeating FKF Premier League side AFC Leopards to clinch the Mashujaa Cup with a final score of 2-1, played at the Wilson Kiprugut Chuma Stadium (formerly known as Kericho Green Stadium).

AFC Leopards fielded a squad that combined senior players with members of the youth team, and the return of Victor Omune from injury added depth to their lineup.

AFC Leopards- Zoo goalless

The first half of the match concluded without any goals, as both sides struggled to find the back of the net. However, the deadlock was broken in the second half when AFC Leopards were awarded a penalty.

Khalid Jumaan of Mathare United controls an aerial ball under pressure from Victor Omune of AFC Leopards during their FKF-PL match played at the Kasarani Stadium. PHOTO/Rodgers Ndegwa — Khalid Jumaan of Mathare United controls an aerial ball under pressure from Victor Omune of AFC Leopards during their FKF-PL match played at the Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi on Sunday. PHOTO/Rodgers Ndegwa.

Victor Omune stepped up to take the penalty in the 51st minute after Len Lung’aho was fouled inside the penalty box.

The lead was short-lived as Zoo FC quickly equalized with a goal from Newtown Ondari just seven minutes later.

Ondari proved to be the hero for Zoo FC as he scored again in the 73rd minute, securing the victory for his team.

The remaining members of the AFC Leopards squad will now head to the coast region in a bid to end their six-match winless streak in the FKF Premier League campaign. They are scheduled to face Bandari at Mbaraki Stadium on Sunday.

AFC Leopards under Trucha

AFC Leopards, currently under the management of new coach Thomas Trucha, aims to improve their league standing after a challenging start to the season. Trucha previously had a brief stint with AFC Leopards during the 2020-2021 league season.

Despite initially signing a two-year contract, he left the club following their opening match, which saw AFC Leopards secure a 2-1 victory at home against Tusker on November 28. Trucha and his representative, Prince Channis, reportedly left the club due to alleged physical threats made by individuals claiming affiliation with the club.

Thomas Trucha (centre) with AFC Leopards management. PHOTO/AFC Leopards.

In addition to Thomas Trucha’s return, former club captain Bernard Mang’oli has come back to AFC Leopards, taking on the role of team manager.

He replaces Albert Wesonga, who has been promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer within the club.

Haggai Azande has been appointed as the new captain, and Joshua Caleb Osir will serve as the assistant physiotherapist. These appointments, officially confirmed by AFC Leopards, are effective immediately and are contracted for a two-year period.