AFC Leopards Miss Chance to Close in On Gor Mahia After Stalemate with Kenya Police

AFC Leopards missed an opportunity to move level on points with FKF Premier League’s leading quartet following a goalless draw with Kenya Police at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.

The game had drama at both ends with the two goalkeepers Job Ochieng of Police and Humphrey Katasi of Leopards pulling off some great saves.

Ochieng was called into action first, when he was forced to punch away a good ball from Tyson Otieno after eight minutes, as Leopards started the game strongly.

Immediately after, Ochieng was tested by Julius Masaba and he punched out again, the ball falling to Victor Oume, who failed to connect well from the rebound.

Leopards should have been ahead after 14 minutes after Omune was played in but Ochieng dived low to keep out his effort with Tyson Otieno getting on the rebound which the goalkeeper saved again.

David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng intervened before James Kinyanjui got onto the ball to apply the finish as the goalkeeper was still on the ground.

Leopards completed the first half with another effort at Police’s goal. Kinyanjui’s freekick was met by Randi Bakari at the back post five minutes to the break but he could not connect well with the ball.

In the second half, Omune tried to go for the spectacular when the ball fell to him in the box, attempting an overhead kick that was well-saved by Ochieng.

In the final 20 minutes, it was Katasi’s turn to keep Ingwe in the game, first making a great dive to keep out Brian Musa’s long-range effort, before keeping out Erick Zakayo’s shot three minutes from time, when the ball seemed destined for the net.

However, it is Leopards who should have collected all three points at the death as with the final kick of the game, substitute Kelly Madada thought he had slotted in from close range with the Police goalkeeper beaten, but Cheche made a goal line clearance with his head.

The draw pushed Police top of the table with 21 points from 11 games, one ahead of Gor Mahia, Kakamega Homeboyz and Posta Rangers, while Leopards are in sixth place with 18.