AFC Leopards on Saturday sent a strong message to their rivals with a 2-1 come-from-behind win over newcomers Nzoia Sugar in a thrilling SportPesa Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Leopards, who are chasing their first league title in 19 years, found themselves behind after Elvis Rupia put the league newcomers ahead in the 12th minute but a spirited second half performance ensured Ingwe marched into their second win in as many matches.
Rupia gave Bernard Mwalala’s charges, who beat champions Tusker 5-2 in their opening fixture of the season before holding Mathare United to a barren draw in their next match, a deserved lead after some nice interchange with the pacy Masita Masuta.
Masuta broke on the right, crossed the ball for Rupia who tucked the ball beneath the arms of Ian Otieno in Leopards’ goal.
The league newbies looked set for another upset result before Ghanaian import Gilbert Fiamenyo cancelled their lead with a thumping header into the top right corner of the net from a Duncan Otieno corner. It was Fiamenyo’s second goal in as many matches after he scored in Leopards’ 3-0 win over Nakumatt a fortnight ago.
Leopards, now playing with renewed vigour and with their vocal fans – who had painted Machakos blue – fully behind then, found the winner through Ugandan midfielder Allan Kateregga in the 68th minute.
Kateregga, who had entered the fray after the break as Stewart Hall sought to inject pace and dynamism into Leopards’ troubled midfield, struck with an easy tap in to send the Blue and White Army into a frenzy.
Earlier on at the same venue, Ulinzi Stars got their title campaign off the mark with a 1-0 win over free-falling Kariobangi Sharks in a tightly contested match.
Fast-rising Ulinzi midfielder Samuel Onyango scored the sole goal of the match as Sharks recorded their third consecutive loss in the top flight.
Onyango found the back of the net in the 63rd minute, volleying home from close range after left back Omar Mbongi had delivered a long throw into the penalty area.
It was the soldiers’ first match in the SportPesa Premiere League, as they had missed the first two rounds due to their commitments in the Caf Confederation Cup.
“Despite the loss, I think that there has been massive improvement in the team’s performance today. Unlike the previous games, we didn’t concede in the first half and we created more chances,” Sharks coach William Muluya said.
“We need to settle down fast and start getting results.”
Elsewhere, Kakamega Homeboyz rallied from behind to hold visiting Posta Rangers 1-1 in their league match at Mumias Sports Complex while Bandari whipped Muhoroni Youth 3-0 at Mbaraki Sports Club.
Daily Nation