AFC Leopards edged out Ugandan giants KCCA FC with a 1-0 win in a high-profile international friendly match played on Saturday afternoon at the Nyayo National Stadium with the all important goal scored by James Kinyanjui at the stroke of halftime.
Prior to kickoff, AFC Leopards took the opportunity to unveil their new signings to the home crowd.
The newly presented squad members included Taddeo Lwanga (Vipers SC), Musa Ceesay (Falcons FC), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Kevin Luke Otiala (Kariobangi Sharks), Erick Balecho (Bandari FC), Issa Emuria (Bidco United), Robinson Musungu (Mara Sugar FC), and Tom Ikara (BUL Jinja).
Reigning Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Player of the Season / MVP Adama Kanteh also joined, arriving from Gambian champions Medina United FC.
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Head Coach Fred Ambani named a strong starting XI featuring new arrivals Tom Ikara in goal and Adama Kanteh on the left wing.
Ingwe created the first major threat in the eighth minute when James Kinyanjui was put through on goal, but KCCA goalkeeper Humphrey Oyirwoth produced a fantastic save.
KCCA responded in the 13th minute as Ismail Fahad dribbled past two defenders to set up Axel Mezui, who fired his effort over the bar.
Former KCCA striker Samuel Ssenyonjo squandered a glorious chance in the 23rd minute when played 1-on-1 bythe explosive Kanteh only to see his shot parried away by Oyirwoth.
Leopards’ relentless pressure finally paid off in the 45th minute. Tyson Otieno teed up James Kinyanjui, who slotted past the oncoming goalkeeper to break the deadlock just before the half-time whistle.
At the start of the second half, Leopards handed debuts to mid-window recruits Musa Ceesay and Taddeo Lwanga, replacing Boniface Munyendo and Samuel Ssenyonjo. Ingwe would hold on to secure their fourth consecutive friendly match win .
AFC Leopards vs KCCA lineups
- AFC Leopards Starting XI: Tom Ikara, Brian Ojok, Samuel Semo, Kevin Otiala, Kayci Odhiambo, Adama Kante, Musa Oundo, Boniface Munyendo, James Kinyanjui, Tyson Otieno, Samuel Ssenyonjo
- KCCA XI: Humphrey Oyirwoth, Enoch Walusimbi, Maxwell Owachgiu, Ukasha Jjemba, Hassan Muhamud, Elvis Ngonde, Ashraf Mugume, Axel Nkili, Etienne Openga, Ismail Fahad, Emmanuel Anyama