AFC Leopards hand KCB first 2023 defeat as Tusker continue resurgence

© Tusker

FKFPL AFC Leopards hand KCB first 2023 defeat as Tusker continue resurgence

Festus Chuma 15:14 - 26.02.2023

AFC Leopards extended their unbeaten run to nine games.

AFC Leopards edged KCB 1-0 in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) match at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani on Sunday afternoon.

As a result, Leopards climbed up to fifth place on the league table, while the Bankers maintained their third place on the log.

Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo denied KCB striker Nicholas Kipkirui an early goal just seven minutes into the game as the visitors searched for an early goal.

In the 19th minute, Victor Omune unleashed a shot from range but KCB shot-stopper Bryne Omondi parried the ball away to deny the Leopards forward.

Omune had another clear chance from a counterattack in the 27th minute, but he was denied by a fine save from Omondi, while Kevin Okumu blocked a follow-up effort from Ojo Olaniyi.

Henry Onyango played a curling cross into the Leopards' box twelve minutes later but the KCB midfielder's effort was cleared away.

The score was 0-0 during the half-time break following a relatively quiet first half on a hot Sunday afternoon in Nairobi.

In the second half, Leopards continued with their onslaught, and Jaffari Owiti broke the deadlock when he went past his markers before sending a shot inside the area, which a KCB defender deflected into the back of the net.

The Bankers then piled pressure on Ingwe after conceding, and had two chances to restore parity after the half-hour mark.

Brian Ochieng's effort was brilliantly punched by Leopards goalkeeper Opiyo and Nicholas Kipkirui's attempt from the rebound was blocked by Tedian Esilaba.

Cliff Nyakeya forced KCB goalkeeper Bryne Omondi into a good save in the 76th munites as the Leopards midfielder looked for a second goal.

Hillary Dukussy also came close to netting an equalizer for KCB, but his well-placed shot just went inches away from the right post.

This saw Leopards defending the 1-0 lead until the match was over, as they extended their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Meanwhile, Tusker FC have moved to fourth place on the log after they beat Posta Rangers 1-0 at the Kasarani Annex on Sunday.

Tusker grabbed an early lead when Shami Mwinyi whipped in a low free kick that found the back of the net in the fourth minute with the goal proving to be the match-winner as the former Kakamega Homeboyz midfielder netted his third goal in three games.