- 12-time champions AFC Leopards held in SportPesa League opener.
- The game played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex ended in a 1-1 draw.
AFC Leopards’ campaign in the 25/26 SportPesa League season got off to a wrong footing as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sofapaka in a match staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday evening.
Their aspirations for starting the new season with a clean sheet were dashed just four minutes into the match, as Ezekiel Akwana’s side broke the deadlock through Djafari Satala who provided his team with an early and confidence-boosting goal.
Batoto Ba Mungu had a subsequent attack through Joseph Kuloba, but it fizzled out in the left corner.
The Fred Ambani-coached side launched a counter-attack one minute later and managed to equalize in the 21st minute through a well-delivered corner by Victor Otieno which Boniface Munyendo powered home with a header.
Ingwe unleashed several offensive moves minutes later, but Batoto Ba Mungu’s defense and their custodian, Victor Kamungo, were well-positioned, making crucial saves to avert an early setback as they held firm.
The home side managed to take control of the game after the equalizer, but Sofapaka defended resolutely, and the first half concluded with the teams deadlocked at 1-1.
Ambani made an early substitution at the start of the second half, introducing Ronald Bebeto in place of Hassan Beja to bolster his wing attacks.
The fresh legs nearly paid off immediately, as Sichenje unleashed a powerful drive from the left wing that came agonizingly close to giving them the lead but struck the woodwork, leaving the match tightly poised.
Akwana, in response, made a double change, substituting the goal scorer Satala for Daniel Ng’ang’a and bringing on Adrian Oloo for Japheth Mzingu.
The hosts also made another substitution, with Kayci Odhiambo and goal scorer Munyendo making way for Elias Mugane and Samuel Ssenyonjo.
ALSO READ: Kapaito misfires as KCB sink Tusker in 25/26 SportPesa League opener
In contrast to Sofapaka’s changes, Ingwe’s substitutions made an immediate impact; new signing Ssenyonjo found the back of the net two minutes later, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Ingwe continued to mount dangerous forays in search of a winner, with Kennedy Owino and, once again, the super-sub Sichenje squandering chances from close range.
Despite Ingwe’s persistent efforts to make the difference, they could not breach Sofapaka’s defense, a result that mirrored the outcome between the two teams last season.
AFC Leopards must now go back to the drawing board to ensure their attacking chemistry is sharp enough to convert the opportunities they get before they face Nairobi City Stars in their second match next weekend on Sunday, September 28.
Sofapaka, buoyed by a point away from home, will take that morale boost into their next fixture against Gor Mahia on Saturday, September 27.
AFC Leopards vs Sofapaka Lineups
Ingwe: James Ssetuba, Brian Nyongesa, Vincent Mahiga, Kennedy Owino, Peter Mabok, Mousa Oundo, Hassan Beja, Boniface Munyendo, Samuel Ssenyonjo, Kelly Okonji, Victor Otieno.
Sofapaka: Victor Kamungo, Vedine Ambesa, Michael Otieno, Stephen Bonney, Victor Odhiambo, Donato Okello, Japheth Kazungu, Djafari Satala, Roy Okal, Douglas Koech, Joseph Kuloba.
25/26 SportPesa League standings
