Leopards set aside off-pitch troubles to edge Ulinzi

Substitute Peter Thiong’o scored a late winner as AFC Leopards edged Ulinzi Stars 1-0 to bounce back to winning ways during Wednesday’s FKF Premier League clash at the Kasarani Stadium.

Leopards went into the match amid troubling accusations against its captain Robinson Kamura, who was dropped from the starting line-up, but those off-pitch problems were forgotten as the club collected its sixth win of the season.

The result pushed Leopards into third on the FKF-PL standings behind KCB FC and leaders Tusker FC and marked the first league win for new head coach Patrick Aussems who was taking charge of his third match.

Elsewhere in Wundanyi, KCB FC twice came from behind to rescue a point from their 2-2 draw with Sofapaka FC in an entertaining clash. Victor Omondi scored a goal in between Cornelius Juma’s brace and Reagan Otieno struck late to ensure it ended all square.

The result will sound good news for leaders Tusker who saw their closest rival drop points again and now hold a seven-point advantage at the top although they have played two more games than the Bankers.

Nairobi City Stars won 2-0 in Kisumu to pile more misery on Western Stima who remained in the relegation zone. Eric Ombija and Peter Opiyo were on target for the visitors.

Struggling basement side Zoo Kericho were held 1-1 by 10-man Kakamega Homeboyz with Collins Neto and Sylvester Owino trading the goals. Neto opened the scoring in the 58th minute and Zoo were handed the one-man advantage when Geoffrey Oputi was sent off for a reckless challenge just four minutes later. But Owino struck to deny the hosts what would have been a first win in nine attempts.

In Kasarani, Leopards coach Aussems had summoned new signing Esilaba Tedia in place of captain Robinson Kamura and the hosts should have gone into the break trailing 1-0 had it not been a spectacular stop from goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan to deny Bernard Ongoma from a one-on-one situation.

Harrison Mwendwa drove a fierce shot on the other end but it was aimed straight into James Saruni’s gloves and the player went close moments later when his effort was kept out only by the post.

Thiong’o, who replaced Jaffari Owiti , proved the match-winner when he got on the end of Elvis Rupia’s pass to score from close range.