Holders AFC Leopards into SportPesa Shield semis

Defending champions AFC Leopards on Saturday cruised into the semi-finals of this season's SportPesa Shield after a 4-1 demolition of Kenya Police in their last eight encounter at the Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega.

Goals from Whyvonne Isuza, Ezekiel Odera, Eugene Mukangula and Brian Marita saw Ingwe remain on course to retain their title.

AFC Leopards coach Zapata Rodolfa said his boys deserved to win.

My team played a better game than our opponents and we are determined to reach the finals in order defend the title successfully,” he pointed out.

Kenya Police tactician Charles Omondi said few mistakes upfront from his forwards contributed to their defeat.

“The attackers created scoring chances but they did not converted most of them into goals,” he said.

Ingwe started off well as they dominated the better part of proceedings with Isuza capitalising on a defensive lapse to fire Leopards ahead at the quarter-hour mark.

Police retaliated with a well co-ordinated game upfront when Phillip Ochieng put through Jason Oyule and his first time shot was punched out by Leopards custodian Ezekiel Owade in the 18th minute.

AFC Leopards made relentless raids at their opponent’s goal mouth and were rewarded when Odera’s blockbuster sailed in the 26th minute.

Cheered on by a mammoth crowed, Ingwe increased their tempo and they were on the mark again in the 43rd minute via Mukangula to led 3-0 at break.

The second half was a see-saw affair with both teams missing scoring opportunities. The on-form Marita found the back of the net in the 62nd minute to put the game beyond the law enforcers' reach.

Police forward Martin Mutua beat defender Dancun Otieno to the ball to score a consolation goal in the 77thinute.