Leopards claw Homeboyz to advance in Shield

Mid-season signings Yusuf Suf and John Ndirangu struck in the first half as AFC Leopards overcame local rivals Kakamega Homeboyz 2-0 in a GOTv Shield last-32 clash played at the Mumias Sports Complex on Sunday.

The 12-time Kenya Premier League (KPL) champions advanced to the Round of 16 to move a step closer to reclaiming the Shield they last won in 2014.

Ingwe thus claimed western region bragging rights after coming out on top for the second time this season in the fixture christened ‘Cataluhya Derby’ following their 2-1 victory in their KPL first leg encounter.

In Kisumu, Kennedy Agogo’s brace and a goal apiece from Maurice Ojwang and Kenneth Muguna helped Western Stima cruise to the next round after dispatching third tier side Fresha 4-0.

Elsewhere, Dennis Odhiambo’s early penalty and Nigerian import Onwudi Chibueze’s second half goal were enough for Thika United to eliminate second-tier side MOSCA FC 2-0 at the Ruaraka Grounds.

In an all National Super League affair, Bidco United progressed after seeing off Wazito Fc 4-3 on post-match penalties after the two teams settled for a barren draw in normal time while Nzoia United defeated a stubborn Kiambu All Stars 2-0.

At the Mumias Complex, Jack ‘Bruno’ Kiai got the nod ahead of more seasoned players like club top scorer Kepha Aswani and former Azam front man Paul Kiongera while recent acquisition, Malian Moussa Sissoko lined up in midfield.

Bruno, who had recently been promoted for the Under 19 side, marked his debut with a man of the match performance registering two assists in the entertaining match.

Leopards Head Coach Jack Minnaert reveled in the win claiming that his team was shaping up to the formidable side he desires.

“My boys were confident on the ball and playing with three offensive players helped us take control the game. Sissoko is not a new player to me and I know his ability so I wanted him to get some playing time,” he revealed.

His opposite number, Mike Muiruri admitted resting a couple of first team players could have contributed to the defeat.

“We allowed AFC too much space on the flanks and they punished us, we let them take these dangerous crosses and now we only have ourselves to blame,” he lamented.

The Kakamega side struggled to contain the tricky pace of the Ingwe youngsters who punished them with every chance they got.

Leopards had a perfect start, taking the lead after just six minutes of action when Bruno picked out Suf with a beautiful cross that was nodded home with a header for the opener.

Stephen Wakhanya had a chance to level matters in the 17th after being put through on goal by Moses Mudavadi who left three defenders for dead but his fierce shot went wide.

The game was however temporary halted at the half hour mark as center referee sent Homeboyz assistant coach Peter Okinyi to the stands for dissent.

In a case of déjà vu, Homeboyz inability to deal with Bruno on the right flank came back to haunt them with the youngster floating in another pin point cross that found the unmarked Ndirangu in the box to bury the ball in the top right corner to double Leopards’ lead.

Muiruri sent in Andrew Murunga and ex-Thika player Andrew Kulecho in place of former Kenyan international Wakhanya and Morris Dukully after the restart.

Ivan Minnaert responded by opting for an additional midfielder exchanging goal scorer Ndirangu for Bernard Ongoma.

Custodian Ian Otieno denied Kakamega a consolation goal in the dying minutes of time added on with a one handed save.