Tusker leave AFC Leopards tipsy in Machakos

Tusker FC players celebrates a goal against AFC Leopards SC during their FKF Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on March 10, 2024. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

AFC Leopards nine-match unbeaten run was brought to an end on Sunday after Tusker stole a narrow 1-0 win in an entertaining FKF Premier League match played at Machakos Stadium.

Interestingly, Leopards dug themselves into the hole after scoring an own goal in the 35^th minute, a goal Tusker defended with everything to leapfrog Bandari into second position in the standings.

Mike Oduor swung a dangerous corner into the Ingwe box, a tricky set piece Leopards defenders deflected into their own net to give Tusker a 1-0 half time lead.

Despite numerous substitutions and tactical changes by Ingwe, the brewers stood tall and escaped unscathed as they closed the gap between them and leaders Gor Mahia to seven points.

The defending champions were docked all points on Saturday when they lost 1-0 to Bandari in Mombasa.

Tusker moved to second in the standings with 43 points same as Bandari but with a superior goal difference.

On the other hand, Leopards lost their first game since going down 2-1 to Bidco United in December 10^th last year.

The defeat saw Ingwe drop to eighth in the standings with 34 points.