Leopards hold leaders Posta, Tusker win again in KPL

A spirited second half display from AFC Leopards claw their way back to hold Kenyan Premier League (KPL) leaders Posta Rangers to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling encounter played at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium.

Two other top flight league clashes played across the country – Chemelil Sugar versus Kariobangi Sharks and Nzoia United versus Sony Sugar – ended with a similar scoreline with Tusker FC the only winners on Saturday.

A late Allan Wanga strike gave Tusker a 1-0 win away at Muhoroni Youth as the champions recorded their second win on the trot to move into the top 10 on the log for the first time this season.

At the Afraha Stadium, the Rangers who are currently playing some with sky-high confidence took the game to Ingwe early on and were – by some stretch – the better side in the first half.

Their transformation since Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo took over the reins at the club has been tremendous and heading to the break, they had only themselves to blame for failing to take a bigger advantage to cushion their lead.

Eight minutes into the game Posta Rangers’ Geoffrey Kataka looped a cross to Edwin Mwaura but with only goalkeeper Ian Otieno to beat he shot wide.

However, after a series of missed chances Rangers finally found the back of the net in the 21st minute when Joseph Mbugi’s free kick was superbly converted by Joseph Nyaga.

Still calling the shots, the Sammy Omollo coached Rangers stepped up pressure and in the 36th minute Dennis Mukaisi outpaced his markers and sidestepped goalkeeper Ian Otieno but his well taken shot went over the cross bar.

Leopard’s best chance came in the 40th minute but an Allan Katerega blockbuster was parried away by Posta keeper Patrick Matasi for a fruitless corner.

On resumption Leopards took charge and moments after coach Stewart Hall brought in Paul Kiongera for Andrew Tololowa, the game took a new twist.

This changed the attacking pattern as Posta found themselves backpeddling as they fought to protect the slim lead for quarter of an hour.

Leopards rested Samwel Ndungu for Marcus Abwao while Rangers introduced Gerald Obwoge.

In the 56thminute Leopards opening goal by Allan Katerega was disallowed by referee George Mwai after goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was fouled as he soared high to claim the cross.

But while Leopards opening goal was suspect, the second goal was a gem in the 68th minute.

Kateregga made a dangerous run on the left and released a pass on the path of Gilbert Fiamenyo who swept it into the roof of the net past flatfooted goalkeeper Matasi.

Rangers were reduced to 10 men in the 72nd minute when Joseph Mbugi hirtherto an effective striker, was sent off for a second bookable offence.

-Report by Evans Asiba.

Tags:

AFC Leopards Kenyan Premier League football Posta Rangers

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