Wanga strikes again as ‘Ingwe’ back to summit

MOHAMMED AMIN | NATION
AFC Leopards and Kenya legend Joe Kadenge presents the Kenyan Premier League player of the month (February) trophy to Leopards’ striker Allan Wanga before Lepards’ Kenyan Premier League match against Muhoroni Youth at the Nyayo National Stadium on March 11, 2012. Wanga scored as Leopards beat Muhoroni 2-1.

What you need to know:

  • Leopards claw Muhoroni at City Stadium to reclaim league lead with Karuturi also victorious

AFC Leopards overcame a nervous start on Sunday to defeat Muhoroni Youth 2-1 at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium and go back to the helm on 13 points, two better than ex-champions Sofapaka.

At Nairobi’s City Stadium, meanwhile, Western Stima electrocuted Kenya Commercial Bank 2-0, Thika United and Tusker played out a goalless draw at the Thika Municipal Stadium while Chemelil lost 2-0 against hosts Karuturi Sport in Naivasha.

AFC Leopards, once again, are wasting little time showing whoever cares why their name should always figure prominently when the list of potential Kenyan Premier League winners is being put together.

Allan Wanga saved his fans’ blushes when he equalised in the second half and substitute Victor Ochieng ensured maximum points with a sublime finish in the 78th minute.

James Okulo had put the visitors - 1-0 winners over Gor Mahia last month - on the way to another unlikely victory after only 17 minutes.

This is their fourth successive Leopards’ win and they did so in a manner that suggests they are immune to the nerves that have afflicted their perennial opponents, Gor Mahia.

That reflected their superiority in a season that seems theirs to lose.

“We are savouring the moment. I’m glad to keep on scoring. It gives me the joy to see us win match after match,” Wanga said. “I’m praying for the same form in other fixtures.”

The last scores, however, belied a dreary start by the Leopards.

When Bernard Mangoli was making incomplete passes, the Burundian import, Jonas Nahimana was having a difficult afternoon with his controls. The newly promoted Muhoroni Youth had held Ingwe, as David Ombati and Geoffrey Simiyu constantly threatened upfront. But a sudden turnaround in the last 25 minutes turned the game Leopard’s way. In front of a partisan crowd, Simiyu exposed Edwin Wafula’s lack of pace, and the ball broke for Hamisi Mwinyi, who fired over.

Ombati then had a shot brilliantly saved by Patrick Matasi, whose clean sheet was dotted after 376 minutes.

Gradually, though and like a Leopard seeking to devour its prey, Ingwe gained a foothold in the game, and the goals soon followed.
Wanga troubled Gradius Ooko, the Muhoroni goalkeeper with a dipping shot, and then Jimmy Bageya fired wide after being laid in by Mangoli.

The breakthrough came three in the 64th minute after a high flying Wanga tapped in Amon Muchiri’s lovely cross from the left to cancel the scores as Leopards continued to hunt for more.

Barely 11 minutes later, Victor Ochieng, finished a Bageya’s effort, which was enough to secure his side’s fourth straight win and consequently extend their unbeaten streak to 20 matches.