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Kariobangi Sharks 0-2 AFC Leopards: Rupia, Owiti on target for Ingwe at Kasarani
The loss is the second for William Muluya’s side who were defeated 4-2 by Tusker in their previous encounter
Elvis Rupia and Jaffery Owiti were the scorers for AFC Leopards in a 2-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League game on Sunday at Kasarani.
This is the second win for Ingwe after they handed KCB a rare defeat in the previous encounter at the same venue.
Erick Kapaito attempted to break the deadlock with a long-range shot in the 10th minute but his strike flew just over Benjamin Ochan’s crossbar.
Seconds after Kapaito’s unsuccessful effort, AFC Leopards took the lead when Rupia – now with nine goals – took advantage of a misunderstanding between Geoffrey Shiveka and Samuel Olwande to fire home. Robinson Kamura’s cross challenged the Kariobangi Sharks’ duo and the former Nzoia Sugar striker just collected the ball and found the top corner with a ferocious strike.
Another defensive mishap almost gave AFC Leopards a second goal when Brian Bwire’s careless clearance landed on Bienvenue Shaka’s path but the Ingwe star saw his low drive cleared in time by the recovering Kariobangi Sharks.
The hosts were lucky not to concede in the 21st minute when they were caught off-guard again by Shaka but the winger’s low drive went out as no one from the Ingwe side was in the right place to tap home past a beaten Bwire.
Kamura’s 38th-minute free-kick hit the post as Ingwe dominated the game and found easy ways especially on the right-wing manned by Harambee Stars defender Olwande.
Bwire was alert to deal with Rupia’s strike launched from a tight angle in the right-wing in the 48th minute. The AFC Leopards forward found himself with a little space in a tight angle and was able to direct his effort towards the top corner but the home goalkeeper parried it over the bar and the visitors wasted the resultant corner.
Ochan’s sliding clearance denied Kariobangi Sharks a likely equaliser in the 70th minute. Kapaito spotted Julius Masaba in an advanced position but the Ugandan goalkeeper reacted quickly to sweep the ball away after his defenders were clearly beaten in the process.
Anthony Kimani made a tactical change in the 83rd minute when he substituted Rupia for Eugene Mukangula in an effort to contain Kariobangi Sharks’ resurgence, especially in midfield. Ingwe were reduced to 10 men when Fabrice Mugheni was red-carded in the 89th minute after a second bookable offence.
Owiti spotted Bwire off his line and struck a long-range shot that landed in the net to double AFC Leopards lead in the first minute of added time to hand Ingwe a win and a clean sheet.
Kariobangi Sharks XI: Brian Bwire, Daniel Sakari, Boniface Onyango, Geoffrey Lemu, Samuel Olwande, Shaphan Oyugi, Douglas Mokaya, Peter Lwasa, Erick Juma, Erick Kapaito, James Mazembe.
Subs: Brandon Obiero, Tom Teka, Boniface Mwangemi, Alphonce Omija, Ronald Reagan, Peter Oudu, Julius Masaba, John Omondi.
AFC Leopards XI: Benjamin Ochan, Collins Shivachi, Robinson Kamura, Clyde Senaji, Lewis Bandi, Fabrice Mugheni, Said Tsuma, Marvin Nabwire, Austin Odhiambo, Bienvenue Shaka, Elvis Rupia.
Subs: Jeff Oyemba, Robert Mudenyu, Peter Thiong’o, Collins Olilo, Hansel Ochieng, Jaffery Owiti, Eugene Mukangula.
