Abege the hero as Sharks maul Leopards in Machakos

Abege the hero as Sharks maul Leopards in Machakos

George Abege grabbed a brace as Kariobangi Sharks sunk 12-time champions AFC Leopards 3-1 in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match staged at the Machakos Stadium on Tuesday.

Duke Abuya was also on target for the William Muluya coached side, with Whyvonne Isuza netting the consolation for Ingwe.

The result further dims Leopards’ target of finishing second, with Bandari four points above them boasting of a game in hand.

Bandari now has 55, while Ingwe remains with 51 with only four matches to go.

Muluya started with unchanged side that beat struggling KPL side Nakumatt FC 5-2 last week, as his counterpart Rodolfo Zapata made only two changes from his starting team that beat Posta Rangers 2-1, welcoming back Ezekiel Odera in the attack and Salim Abdallah in the defense.

Kariobangi Sharks got the first  goal in the 12 minute through George Abege and AFC Leopards immediately replied in the 16th minute through Midfielder Isuza Whyvonne.

Sharks broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Abege headed home sumptuously taken free kick by Patillah Omotto, after Harambee Stars attacker Eric Kapaito was fouled yards outside the box.

Leopards replied in the 16th minute, Isuzza capitalizing on a poorly done back pass by Sharks’ defender John Kuol to round the goalkeeper before scoring in an empty net.

In the 37th, Isuza almost doubled the advantage but the ball was cleared off the line by goalkeeper Gad.

After an hour, Shapan Oyugi was released through the middle into the box, but Mike Kibwage did well to dispossess him just before he pulled the trigger.

Leopards responded immediately with a promising counter-attack but Sharks’ custodian Matthews Gad was alert to smother the threat.

The third came in the 64th, with Abege slotting home beautifully after Elly Asieche’s pass from the left wing, having been set up by Ogweno.

In the 67th, Leopards Isuza was fouled just outside the box by Eric Juma, bearing a free kick that skipper Duncan Otieno almost converted, only for Gad to parry it over the bar.

The resultant corner was poorly taken, giving Sharks defenders easy to clear.

With only 18 minutes on the clock, Sharks head coach William Muluya withdrew the brace scorer Abege for Sydney Simale, seeking bring fresh legs in the front-line for more goals.

Leopards forced Sharks in their own half in the last stages of the match, with Isuza and Alex Orataomal coming close twice in the 87th and 88th but the stubborn defense could not break for the second time.

AFC Leopards are third in the log with three matches remaining with the leopards facing Tusker, Ulinzi and their last game is against Nzoia Sugar while Sharks will face with Wazito,  Vihiga United and last their  face off with Chemelil Sugar.

Tags:

AFC Leopards KPL Kariobangi Sharks Whyvonne Isuza George Abege Kenyan Premier Legue

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