Last gasp Leopards shock Stima, Bandari held

Marcel Kaheza capped an impressive second half fightback with a stoppage time goal as AFC Leopards claimed a 2-1 comeback victory over Western Stima FC at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

It appeared Leopards’ would be on the end of another embarrassing defeat after they went into the break trailing 1-0 thanks to Wesley Kemboi’s opener but Vincent Oburu and Kaheza struck after the restart to secure the victory.

The win lifted Casa Mbungo’s off the relegation zone and moved them into 13th on the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) standings, easing considerable pressure off the back of the Rwandan tactician.

Elsewhere in Chemelil, Bandari FC wasted the chance to return top of the log after drawing 0-0 with Chemelil Sugar and the result could have been worse for the visitors had a late goal against them not been cancelled for offside.

New Leopards signing Soter Kayumba was thrown into the fray just a day after completing his transfer with the Rwandan partnering David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng – who was handed his full debut – at the heart of the defence.

Leopards enjoyed a better start to the proceedings, camping in the visitors’ area and pilling pressure but could not find a goal to show for their early effort.

Stima custodian Samuel Odhiambo was called into double action in the opening five minutes as he denied Whyvonne Isuzza and Vincent Oburu early goal that could have given the hosts a much needed early lead.

Stima threatened but an in-swinging cross was cut off by goalkeeper Jairus Adira who had to come of his lines avert the danger after Christopher Oruchum had failed to clear.

Moments later Oburu was fed with a fine pass from Eugene Mukangula, firing wide before Brian Marita’s shot was cleared for a fruitless corner moments later.

Stima were awarded a penalty in the 30th minute after a long throw was handled in the box, striker Kennedy ‘Agogo’ Otieno stepping forward to beat Adira, but ended up being denied by the post.

Seven minutes later, Wesley Kemboi was on target for the visitors as his headed-lob went over Adira, who came off his line to clear a long ball, but was beaten by the striker, hanging Stima an unlikely 1-0 half time lead.

Ingwe were not taking any casualties in the second half and five minutes from the restart, Oburu was on target to level the scores via a simple tap in after Odhiambo spilled a powerful shot by Wayi Yeka.

Mbungo was far from satisfaction as he pushed for a third win since taking over, Marcel Kaheza coming on for Brian Marita in the 53rd minute, before Mukangula bowed out, Saad Mousa taking on the mantle.

The hosts unleashed all their firepower on the Stima backline that looked worn out but stood firm until the fourth minute of stoppage time when they finally cracked, substitute Kaheza slotting home a match winning goal to complete a memorable comeback as the home crowd burst into song and dance.

The win which is only fifth of the season for Leopards, has them rise from 16th to 13th on 19 points, as Stima remain seventh on 26 points after suffering an eighth loss of the campaign.