Leopards fighting spirit has coach Kimani purring

AFC Leopards assistant head coach Antony Kimani has hailed his charges after they rallied to the last man to defend their 2-1 lead despite a late charge from Sofapaka in yesterday’s league match played at Narok Stadium to move to position two on the KPL table standings.

According to Kimani, his boys were cognizant of the danger of dropping points to Sofapaka hence the fighting spirit.

“Sofapaka is among the best teams in the country and so we knew the type of challenge ahead though we were cautious.

We knew we had to press hard and win this match for us to jump to second position in the league,” Kimani said.

Red-hot John Mark Makwata put the Casa Mbungo coached side ahead with his first half double which was enough to secure the victory, his goals sending the Ingwe fans to frenzy.

The twin weekend strike was Makwatta’s second brace of the season have achieved a similar feat against Chemelil Sugar at Mumias Sugar Sports Complex last month. He now has four goals.

On his part, Sofapaka captain Elly Asieche rued the missed chances saying had they been clinical they would have earned at least a point.

Coached by Portuguese Divaldo Alves, Sofapaka were poor in the first half but launched a late fightback pulling on  in the 81st minute through substitute Ronald Okoth but it was too little too late.

“It has been a game of chances; we got a lot in the second half but never executed them.

They (Leopards) used their first half chances well and that is why we have lost this match,” he regretted.

Leopards’ sweet victory in front of their travelling fans catapulted them to second on the Kenyan Premier League log with 14 points, one shy of defending champions Gor Mahia while Sofapaka dropped to position 12 with seven points.

Ingwe will lock horns with Ulinzi Stars at the Mumias Sports Complex on November 2 while Sofapaka travel to Bukhungu Stadium to play hosts Kakamega Homeboyz a day after.