AFC Leopards 2-1 KCB: Rupia’s brace ends Bankers’ unblemished run

AFC Leopards 2-1 KCB: Rupia’s brace ends Bankers’ unblemished run

Elvis Rupia scored twice to ensure AFC Leopards picked a 2-1 win against Football Kenya Federation Premier League leaders KCB at Kasarani on Sunday.

Rupia’s efforts were enough to end a losing streak for Ingwe that had stretched to two games as the Bankers – who scored via Samuel Mwangi – have now dropped points for the first time after winning the previous six games.

Omondi’s deflected free-kick within the first minute almost got KCB an opener after Benjamin Ochan had moved to the opposite side to the ball in the process. AFC Leopards were lucky to see the ball fly over the bar.

Rupia’s feeble shot in the fifth minute was capably saved by Joseph Okoth – who has conceded just three goals so far – as AFC Leopards made the first attack against the Bankers. Rupia was put through by a throw-in from the right-wing but he was not given ample time by his markers where he could have triggered a powerful strike.

Anthony Kimani made a change in the 10th minute when Isaac Kipyegon got injured and could not come back even after intensive medical attention and Lewis Bandi was introduced in his place.

KCB took the lead in the 25th minute when Derrick Otanga clinically manoeuvred along the left wing which was largely unmarked since Collins Shivachi had drifted into the box. The former Sony Sugar striker produced a cross that found David Ambulu on the other end and his header was well connected by Mwangi who found the back of the net in a crowded area.

AFC Leopards equalised in the 29th minute when Okoth failed to clear the ball far away as his attempt was collected by Rupia who found the bottom corner with a ferocious low strike from outside the penalty box.

Ingwe grabbed the lead in the 57th minute when Rupia found the bottom left corner after KCB were caught off-guard by the former league champions. The former Wazito forward scored his eighth goal as he attempts to close in on the current top-scorer Erick Kapaito who has 11.

Peter Thiong’o – who came in place of Rupia – thought he had scored the third for Ingwe but his scrappy goal was cancelled by the referee for he was adjudged to have been in an offside position in the 82nd minute.

AFC Leopards XI: Benjamin Ochan, Collins Shivachi, Robinson Kamura, Clyde Senaji, Isaac Kipyegon, Collins Shichenje, Marvin Nabwire, Fabrice Mugheni, Austin Odhiambo, Bienvenue Shaka, Elvis Rupia.

Subs: Jeff Oyemba, Lewis Bandi, Peter Thiong’o, Collins Olilo, Hansel Ochieng, Said Tsuma, Jaffery Owiti.

KCB XI: Joseph Okoth, Baraka Badi, Dennis Odhiambo, Nahashon Nanyendo, Rama Mwendwa, Michael Mutinda, Simon Munala, Brian Ndenga, Derrick Otanga, Samuel Mwangi, David Ambulu.

Subs: Gabriel Andika, Daniel Oduor, Reagan Otieno, Henry Onyango, Bethuel Achola, Victor Ochami, Ian Motanda, Martin Mbugua, Brian Wepo, Vincent Waaambo, Harun Thomas, Victor Omondi.