AFC Leopards boosted their SportPesa League title ambitions after securing a convincing 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Ulinzi Stars in a rescheduled league clash played at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Goals from Kelly Madada and defender Emmanuel Lwangu handed Ingwe maximum points in a match they largely controlled, as Fred Ambani’s charges reduced the gap between them and league leaders Gor Mahia to just four points with three matches left to play.
AFC Leopards came into the fixture high on confidence following their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mara Sugar, while Ulinzi Stars were hoping to build on their disciplined goalless draw away to Shabana FC as they continue battling against relegation.
AFC Leopards pile more misery on Ulinzi Stars to keep title chase alive
Ingwe started the contest on the front foot and nearly broke the deadlock inside the opening five minutes.
Captain Victor Omune tested Ulinzi Stars goalkeeper Sylvain Ricks twice in quick succession, but the shot-stopper reacted brilliantly to keep the scores level. Moments later, Kayci Odhiambo tried his luck from a set-piece, but his free-kick sailed off target.
Despite AFC Leopards’ early dominance, Ulinzi Stars gradually settled into the game and looked dangerous on the counterattack. In the 15th minute, Paul Okoth intercepted possession in midfield and attempted to release Staphord Odhiambo with a through ball, but Vincent Mahiga read the danger perfectly to clear the threat.
The soldiers came close again in the 19th minute when Boniface Muchiri whipped in a teasing cross from the right flank, only for Stephen Nyongesa to direct his header wide. Barely a minute later, Nyongesa capitalized on a loose ball, shrugged off his marker and raced through on goal, but AFC Leopards goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi produced an excellent one-on-one save to deny the visitors.
AFC Leopards continued pressing forward with Hassan Beja proving lively on the left wing. In the 25th minute, Madada released Beja, whose dangerous delivery into the box forced another reflex save from Sylvain Ricks.
The breakthrough finally arrived two minutes before halftime. Beja used his pace and strength to beat John Kago down the flank before delivering a precise cutback into the area where Madada arrived unmarked to calmly slot home and hand Ingwe a deserved lead. The goal marked Madada’s fourth strike of the SportPesa League campaign.
Ulinzi Stars emerged strongly after the restart in search of an equalizer. Stephen Nyongesa delivered a dangerous ball across goal in the 50th minute towards Paul Okoth, but the forward failed to direct his effort on target.
Coach Mulinge Ndeto responded by introducing Emilion Brian for John Kago in the 51st minute as the soldiers sought more authority in midfield. However, AFC Leopards remained threatening in transition, with Otieno forcing another fine save from Sylvain Ricks with a delightful chipped effort in the 53rd minute.
James Kinyanjui continued to influence proceedings from set-pieces and nearly created the second goal after Andrew Otunda fouled Kelly Madada on the left side. Kinyanjui’s curling free-kick found Musa Oundo, whose effort narrowly missed the target just after the hour mark.
Ulinzi Stars kept fighting and almost found a breakthrough in the 63rd minute when Emilion Brian linked up with Bonface Muchiri, who picked out captain Brian Birgen inside the area, but his shot was bravely blocked for a corner.
the Fred Ambani lads continued to threaten on the break, and in the 70th minute Victor Omune turned smartly before releasing Tyson Otieno through on goal, but Sylvain Ricks once again stood firm to deny the winger.
Ingwe were forced into a change in the 74th minute after Otieno picked up an injury, with Bonface Munyendo replacing him.
The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute when Lwangu rose highest to power home a header from Kinyanjui’s corner kick, effectively putting the match beyond Ulinzi Stars and sealing all three points for AFC Leopards.
Fred Ambani later introduced Victor Otieno and Andrew Waswa in place of Beja and Victor Omune as Ingwe comfortably saw out the closing stages.
The victory marked AFC Leopards’ 18th win of the season while goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi registered his 12th clean sheet of the campaign. For Ulinzi Stars, the defeat leaves their survival hopes hanging in the balance with only a handful of matches remaining.
Starting Line-Ups
Ulinzi Stars: Sylvain Ricks (GK), Brian Birgen (C), Andrew Otunda, Muchika, Masinde, John Kago, Stephen Nyongesa, Okite, Paul Okoth, Staphord Odhiambo, Bonface Muchiri.
AFC Leopards: Humphrey Katasi (GK), Ojok, Vincent Mahiga, Emmanuel Lwangu, Kaycie Odhiambo, Musa Oundo, Kelly Madada, Tyson Otieno, James Kinyanjui, Hassan Beja, Victor Omune (C).