AFC Leopards 2-0 Bandari: Mudenyu, Thiong’o fire Ingwe past Dockers
This was the first engagement for the local heavyweights since they lost to K’Ogalo in the final of the domestic tournament
AFC Leopards emerged 2-0 victors against Bandari in an FKF Premier League encounter at Thika Stadium on Friday.
Robert Mudenyu and Peter Thiong’o scored the goals that gave Ingwe the win that helped them keep their third position on the league’s log with 43 points.
Bandari’s Felly Mulumba was the first player to be yellow-carded in the 20th minute after he brought down Elvis Rupia, who was about to make his way into the penalty area and was likely to score from the position.
Dennis Magige was lucky not to be cautioned in the 25th minute after a hard tackle on Collins Shichenje, who was AFC Leopards’ outstanding player in the opening minutes. Six minutes after the half-hour mark, another Bandari player, Darius Msagha, was yellow-carded after his elbow hit Collins Shivachi as they tussled for an aerial ball.
After spending most of the time in the first half in their own half, Bandari ventured forward and in the 38th minute won a corner after a counter-attack.
AFC Leopards, were, however, well-positioned to clear the danger and start their own attacks against the Dockers immediately.
Another combination between Msagha, William Wadri and Keegan Ndemi in the 41st minute proved difficult for Ingwe’s backline to deal with but Ndemi was not clinical enough as he shot wide from an open space.
Ingwe got the opener just as the second half began when Mudenyu – who has been a regular first-teamer since he recovered from a long-term knee injury – tapped home from a poorly cleared corner.
The hosts looked more rejuvenated after getting the opener and attacked more, but the centre-referee dismissed their calls for a penalty in the 54th minute when their top scorer Rupia looked to have been fouled in the box.
Patrick Aussems made his first change in the 67th minute when he brought on Thiong’o for Eugene Mukangula.
Another substitution was made two minutes later when Harrison Mwendwa was injured and Caleb Olilo was thrown into action. Bandari’s Casa Mbungo waited until the 77th minute to introduce Benjamin Mosha for Msagha.
Ingwe doubled their lead in the 80th minute when Thiong’o nodded home past Justin Ndikumana after he was set through on goal by Washington Munene.
With a number of chances created in the last 10 minutes and in the additional minutes, the hosts could not get more goals to stretch the lead further.
AFC Leopards XI: Ezekiel Owade, Collins Shivachi, Robert Mudenyu, Isaac Kipyegon, Eugene Mukangula, Collins Shichenje, Marvin Nabwire, Harrison Mwendwa, Elvis Rupia.
Subs: Yusuf Mainge, Peter Thiong’o, Caleb Olilo, Bienvenue Shaka, Dan Sunguti, Omar Somobwana, Boniface Mukhekhe, Austin Odhiambo.
Bandari XI: Justin Ndikumana, Atariza Amai, Brian Odera, Felly Mulumba, Dennis Magige, Abdallah Hassan, Danson Namasakha, William Wadri, Keegan Ndemi, Darius Msagha.
Subs: Michael Wanyika, Dan Otewa, Daniel Omondi, Collins Agade, Beranrd Odhiambo, Umaru Kasumba, Wilberforce Lugogo, Benjamin Mosha, Guerlord Mwamba.
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