AFC Leopards created some good chances but could not make them count as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
AFC Leopards were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Murang’a Seal in a lively league encounter at Dandora Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Coming off an embarrassing 4-2 defeat at the same venue in their previous home match against Talanta, Leopards were eager to make amends.
They dominated possession and created several opportunities, particularly from set-pieces, but failed to capitalize on their efforts.
The first 30 minutes were evenly contested, with both sides struggling to create meaningful chances. The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute when Murang’a Seal’s Joe Waithira finished off a clever exchange of passes to put his team ahead.
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However, the lead was short-lived. Just seven minutes later, Leopards equalized when Julius Masaba pounced on a perfectly timed cross from Victor Otieno at the back post, sending both teams into the break level at 1-1.
Seeking a spark in the second half, interim coach Fred Ambani introduced Victor Omune for Arthur Gitego. Leopards nearly took the lead immediately after the restart when Kennedy Owino headed narrowly wide from Otieno’s well-delivered free kick.
Leopards maintained their attacking momentum, with Kelly Madada winning another free kick in a dangerous area. Ambani then brought on Kayci Odhiambo, marking his return after a three-month injury layoff, much to the delight of the fans. Odhiambo almost made an instant impact, creating confusion in Murang’a Seal’s penalty box with his first touch from the resulting delivery.
The game became increasingly end-to-end, with chances on both sides. In the 62nd minute, Murang’a Seal’s dynamic winger Maxwell Odada delivered a low cross to Waithira, forcing Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo into a pair of outstanding saves. Minutes later, Leopards squandered another opportunity when Otieno’s precise through ball found Omune, whose cutback to Masaba went begging.
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The match was briefly halted in the 74th minute due to chaotic scenes in the stadium’s northwest stand, prompting intervention by law enforcement to restore order.
Murang’a Seal should have burried the game in stoppage time when substitute John Mwita found himself one on one with Opiyo, but shot the ball straight at the hands of the former Gor Mahia shotstopper.
The keeper could not handle it well, and it ricocheted back on the feet of Mwita, who blazed it agonisingly wide.
Despite their relentless pressure, Leopards failed to find a winner, leaving fans frustrated with their missed chances. For Murang’a Seal, the draw was a testament to their resilience, holding their own against one of the league’s traditional heavyweights.
Leopards will need to sharpen their finishing as they look to improve their position in the FKF Premier League standings. Meanwhile, Murang’a Seal will take pride in their spirited performance and valuable point on the road.
