Talanta FC produced an impressive turnaround on Saturday evening, January 18, as they triumphed 4-2 over AFC Leopards at the Dandora Stadium, claiming their first win against Ingwe since being promoted to the top flight.
The match began with Bonface Munyendo putting AFC Leopards ahead, scoring the opener for the home side.
However, his and Maxwell Otieno’s strikes proved insufficient to withstand a relentless onslaught from Talanta FC, who found the net through Kelvin Odongo, an Alex Kipruto brace, and Emmanuel Osoro, ensuring a commanding victory.
The win propelled Talanta FC, under the stewardship of Jackson Gatheru, who stepped in for Jackline Juma who is on international duty, from the relegation zone to 15th place on the log.
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AFC Leopards, meanwhile, remain in sixth place with 22 points after 15 league matches. Fred Ambani’s side also saw their five-match unbeaten streak come to an end.
It only took 12 minutes for the opening goal to arrive, as AFC Leopards’ Bonface Munyendo seized the opportunity, finishing clinically after Miheso had missed a prior chance.
The goal came following a dangerous attack from the hosts. However, Talanta FC responded promptly, equalizing just two minutes later with a well-executed free-kick from Kelvin Odongo.
The game was far from over, as Talanta FC took the lead in the 18th minute. Alex Kipruto pounced inside the box to finish after a cross from Emmanuel Osoro, following a punch-clearance from Katasi off a shot from Momanyi.
In the 20th minute, Osoro had a clear chance to extend Talanta FC’s lead but failed to convert after a defensive mistake by Humphrey Katasi. Despite this miss, Talanta FC continued to dominate in the first half.
In the 29th minute, Fred Ambani was forced into an early substitution, with Sydney Lokale coming off for Kelly Madada. A minute after his introduction, Madada provided a pass to Victor Otieno, whose attempt sailed over the bar, denying AFC Leopards a chance to level the score.
Otieno had another opportunity in the 38th minute, creating a chance for Leopards through a foul but his shot went wide. Before the end of the first half, Clifton Miheso delivered a brilliant cross into the box, but Victor Omune’s attempted bicycle kick lacked control, and the ball went astray.
The second half saw AFC Leopards nearly equalize in the 47th minute. Madada provided a through-ball into the box that found Munyendo, but his shot went over the bar. Just minutes later, Talanta FC capitalized on a mistake from Katasi as Osoro made no mistake in seizing the opportunity, completing his brace and extending Talanta’s lead to 3-1 in the 50th minute.
Ambani responded by substituting Katasi for Abubakar Musha, who made an immediate impact with a crucial save in the 56th minute.
Two minutes later, Alfred Kipruto added a fourth goal for Talanta FC, further solidifying their dominance.
Maxwell Otieno did pull one back for AFC Leopards in the 90th minute, but the deficit proved too much to overcome, as Talanta maintained their lead for the rest of the match, securing a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Elsewhre, at Mumias Complex, Brian Eshihanda helped Kakamega Homeboyz secure three points against Bidco United with a 1-0 win.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Mara Sugar interim coach Benedict Wanjala oversaw a commanding 3-0 victory over Mathare United, with goals from David Owino, Batts Awita, and Noah Jagongo.
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