AFC Leopards claw Rangers for maiden win

AFC Leopards chalked their first win of the season after beating limping Posta Rangers 2-0 in a midweek SportPesa Premier League match at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on Wednesday.

Skipper Robinson Kamura led from the front claiming a first half brace with both goals coming from the spot.

It was a bad start for new Posta Rangers coach John Kamau who was making his touchline debut following the departure of Sammy Omollo.

“Although we lost, I am happy with the fighting spirit of my boys. I have just taken over the role of the coach and it is sad to lose on day one but going forward I hope to make changes and rectify our mistakes in subsequent matches,” said Kamau.

On the opposite side, Ingwe coach Marko Vasiljevic could not hide his joy as he dashed to the pitch to hug his players and congratulate them for a job well done moments after centre referee Peter Waweru signalled the end of the match.

“I am extremely happy for winning today’s match but there is no time to celebrate as I am plotting the downfall of Nzoia in our next match in Machakos,” said a visibly elated coach Vasiljevic.

Though not looking menacingly hungry for goals, Ingwe were gifted an early penalty in the 20th minute when Rangers defender Simon Mbugua handled the ball in a desperate move to clear a goal bound shot prompting referee Waweru to point to the spot.

Stepping forward Captain Robinson Kamura put the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Levis Opiyo to score his second goal of the season.

Leopards Aziz Okaka should have doubled the scores four minutes later when he made a brilliant run on the right flank and drove into the box but his rasping shot was cleverly saved by Opiyo.

Rangers had their fair share of chances in the opening stages notably when Danson Kago, who was a constant menace to the Leopards defence, missed a sitter from the edge of the box.

Isaac Kipyegon went on his trademark overlaps on the left and laid a beautiful splitting pass to Okaka but the forward missed yet another easy scoring opportunity in the 25th minute.

Still under pressure, Rangers conceded their second penalty in the 27th minute when Mbugua once again handled in the area blocking a goal bound shot.

Kamura, who superbly marshalled the Leopards rearguard, once again calmly booted the penalty into the top corner.

Coach Kamau made three frantic changes and brought in Luis Tera, Ken Mutembei and Joseph Mbugi for William Odero, Danson Kago and Charles Odete but it was a little too late to salvage anything.