AFC Leopards needed to rely on Levis Opiyo to make some crucial saves to earn them a point against Sofapaka in Dandora on Wednesday.
AFC Leopards’ struggles in the FKF Premier League continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Sofapaka in a tense midweek clash at Dandora Stadium on Wednesday.
Despite coming off a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mara Sugar, Fred Ambani’s side failed to capitalize on their momentum, unable to break down a disciplined Sofapaka defense.
Sofapaka nearly broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Baron Ochieng orchestrated a brilliant attacking move, threading a defense-splitting pass to Bramwel Simiyu inside Ingwe’s box.
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Simiyu then set up Ochieng for a shot, but Lewis Bandi made a crucial goal-line clearance. The rebound fell kindly to Rodgers Kipkemoi, whose header was once again cleared off the line—this time by Simon Semo—to keep the game level.
Leopards’ first real opportunity came in the 49th minute when Ovella Ochieng’s well-taken free-kick rattled the upright, leaving the few fans in attendance frustrated.
In the 62nd minute, goalkeeper Levis Opiyo made an outstanding save to deny Edward Omondi after the Sofapaka forward had dispossessed Peter Maker and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot.
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Sofapaka wasted another chance in the 79th minute when Omondi latched onto a loose ball after Kelly Madada was pressed into a mistake near the box. However, Opiyo once again came to Ingwe’s rescue with a sharp save.
The draw sees AFC Leopards drop to fifth place with 34 points, setting up a crucial Mashemeji Derby showdown on Sunday, March 2. Sofapaka, on the other hand, move up to eighth with 29 points, a notable improvement from last season’s struggles.
Other FKFPL results
Posta Rangers 1-1 Mara Sugar
Posta Rangers earned a crucial point in their relegation battle, drawing 1-1 against Mara Sugar at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.
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Faustine Ojiambo gave Posta the lead in the 32nd minute, but defensive lapses allowed Christopher Raila to equalize 10 minutes later. The result lifts Posta to 14th place with 22 points, while Mara Sugar sits 11th with 26.
KCB 1-0 Bandari
At St. Sebastian Park, KCB returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 victory over Bandari.
Former Sony Sugar midfielder Joshua Nyatini struck in the seventh minute, securing three crucial points for the Bankers, who now sit fourth with 35 points.
Bandari, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive defeat, dropping to seventh with 32 points.
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Kakamega Homeboyz 3-1 Murang’a SEAL
Kakamega Homeboyz continued their dominant form with a convincing 3-1 victory over Murang’a SEAL at Mumias Sports Complex.
Moses Shumah starred for the hosts, netting twice in the first half (27th and 38th minutes). SEAL’s Lucas Maina pulled one back in first-half stoppage time, but Oliver Majak sealed the victory in the 81st minute.
Homeboyz, now unbeaten in 12 matches, climb to sixth with 33 points, while SEAL remains 13th with 23 points, extending their winless run to seven games.
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Djed Spence has gone from Tottenham’s forgotten man to key fullback at the club following latest man-of-the-match display against Man United, which has seen his market value almost double up.
Ulinzi Stars 0-0 Kariobangi Sharks
The second match of the Machakos doubleheader saw Ulinzi Stars and Kariobangi Sharks play out a goalless draw. Sharks’ winless streak now stretches to 10 matches, with only one victory in their last 18 league outings. Ulinzi sits 10th with 28 points, while Sharks are 12th with 24.
With the Mashemeji Derby looming, AFC Leopards will need to find their scoring touch fast, while Kakamega Homeboyz continue to assert their dominance in the league.
