FKF Premier League: Leopards end KCB’s unbeaten streak
Football
By
Rodgers Eshitemi
| Jan 18, 2021
Wazito see off Bidco United for third consecutive win as Posta Rangers overcome Vihiga
Kimani over the moon as Ingwe return to winning ways thanks to Rupia’s brace.
Elvis Rupia scored a brace as ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/">AFC Leopards< beat KCB 2-1 at Kasarani Stadium yesterday to end the bankers six game unbeaten run in the FKF Premier League.
The former Wazito and Nzoia Sugar man cancelled out Samuel Mwangi’s opener in the 29th minute before snatching the winner for Ingwe in the 56th minute and to take his goals tally to eight, three behind leading scorer Eric Kapaito of Kariobangi Sharks.
The victory saw Leopards, who have two games in hand end their two game losing streak and consequently move into the fifth place on the table with 12 points, same as sixth ranked ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/">Bandari Africa's opportunity in taming a warming world World falls short of drought deal at Saudi-hosted talks Reverent politics key to climate action There is need to raise visibility of climate impact on health There is need to rethink Kenya's climate financing framework 2024 'certain' to be hottest year on record: EU monitor Kenyan diaspora seeks voice in Parliament with petition Landmark climate change case to open at top UN courtREAD MORE
AFC Leopards coach Anthony Kimani was more than excited to see his boys secure the important victory that brought the bankers’ unbeaten run come to a halt barely a day after Tusker had inflicted the first defeat of the season on Kariobangi Sharks (4-2) at the same venue.
“Of course we expected a tough game, but I’m pleased how the boys carried themselves on the pitch. This victory is not only important for us but also very huge in terms of motivation after the two losses,” said Kimani.
Though his counterpart Zedekiah Otieno conceded defeat, he was equally pleased with his team’s performance.
“It was a difficult game against a tough team. My boys played their hearts out, but congratulations to AFC Leopards.”
Kimani was forced to make an early substitution with Lewis Esambi coming on for the injured fullback Isaac Kipyegon.
The bankers then took the lead in the 25th minute when Mwangi pounced on Derrick Otanga’s cheeky pass to slot the ball past AFC goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan.
Rupia cut his celebration short with a powerful shot four minutes later following a poor clearance from goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka.
Moments later, the bankers’ back line blocked Collins Shivachi’s free kick after a foul on Bienvenue Shaka.
But twelve minutes into the second half, Rupia received a long pass before easily beating the keeper to put Leopards in front.
Substitute Henry Onyango could have drawn level in the 80th minute but he feebly shot straight at the opposing keeper.
At Utalii Grounds, Dennis Sikhayi and Vincent Oburu scored a goal each as Wazito rallied to silence newcomers Bidco United 2-1.
Eric Gichumu had given Bidco the lead in the 33rd minute only for Sikhayi to draw level two minutes into the second half before Oburu’s last gasp strike secured the maximum points for Francis Kimanzi’s men.
In Mumias, Posta Rangers saw off Vihiga United 1-0 in a match that both sides finished the game with ten men following red cards on Vihiga’s Junior and Rangers’ Charles Odette.