Spot-on AFC Leopards storm SportPesa Super Cup final

IN DAR ES SALAAM

Goalkeeper Ian Otieno saved two penalties and scored the decisive one as AFC Leopards beat Tanzanian champions Young Africans 4-2 on post-match penalties to storm into the SportPesa Super Cup final on Thursday.

Leopards now will face either arch-rivals Gor Mahia or Nakuru AllStars, who clash in the second semi-final match at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

After a goalless draw, Bernard Mang’oli, Allan Kateregga, Duncan Otieno and Ian Otieno converted from 12-yards while Marcelius Ingotsi’s kick was saved by Yanga goalkeeper Deogratius Munishi.

Nadir Haroub and Obrey Chirwa netted for Yanga as Said Juma Ali and Said Mussa had their efforts stopped by the former Posta Rangers shot-stopper.

“I took a big risk today by fielding Ramadhan (Yakubu) and he was my best player doing the hard work in the midfield. Great game from the boys, we now wait for the final,” Ingwe Head Coach Dorian Marin told Nation Sport after the match.

Despite the loss, Yanga’s assistant coach Juma Mwambusi hailed his charges for their fighting spirit during the 2pm kick off.

“The boys did their best. They played against an experienced side. Penalties have no specialist,” he said.

The home side were fast off the blocks, pegging the Leopards backline in the early exchanges though they failed to trouble Ian Otieno in the Ingwe goalpost.

Leopards slowly grew into the games, with Duncan Otieno’s long range free-kick failing to test Munishi after Emmanuel Martin fouled Marcus Abwao down the left flank in the 18th minute.

An intelligent run by Gilbert Fiamenyo on the half hour mark bore a free kick just at the right edge of the 18-yard box which Allan Kateregga sent way ward off target.

With eight minutes to the breather, Juma Abdul initiated a Yanga attack on the right wing but his attempt to pick out Juma Mahadhi was thwarted by Abdallah Salim.

Mwambusi made a change seven minutes into the second half with Samwel Benkere replacing off-colour Antony Mhilu.

INGOTSI ON

Mwambusi then introduced Said Mussa for George Ngonyanyi in the 55th minute, two minutes after Marcelius Ingotsi had come on for Fiamenyo as the hunt for the opener intensified from both sides.

Benkere charged on the right wing before swinging in a cross that Zambian striker Obrey Chirwa couldn’t finish past Otieno with 14 minutes to go.

On the other end, skipper Bernard Mang’oli’s corner was well met by Kateregga but the Ugandan winger’s final touch went straight into Munishi’s hands.

A pin-point cross from Dennis Sikhai found Duncan Otieno with 10 minutes remaining, but the midfielder’s shot was parried for a fruitless corner by Munishi.

Both sides failed to conjure a winner, forcing the referee to call for the spot kicks to decide the match.