Juniors secure crucial away goal in Ingwe draw

AFC Leopards on Sunday played out a 1-1 draw with visiting FOSA Juniors from Madagascar in their first leg Caf Confederation Cup preliminary round match at the Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega.

Youngster Yusuf Mainge gave AFC Leopards an early lead but it lasted just 12 minutes as Rado Mbolasoa equalised for the visitors.

The result dimmed AFC Leopards' prospects of advancing to the first round of the continental competition as they now need to beat the Madagascar outfit away in a fortnight.

AFC Leopards coach Robert Matano preferred to use two strikers upfront with Baker Lukooya, who was signed from Soana FC of Uganda, paired with Prince Papa.

Unlike Matano, FOSA’s head Coach Bob Koofwijk fielded three attackers namely Adrian, Sarivahy Vombola and Jean Razafin.

At one point, Omar was forced to stop the match for a five-minute water-break after the weather became increasingly hot.

Ingwe could have doubled the scoreline in the 10th minute, when former Western Stima FC midfielder Brian Marita headed the ball in the hands of hawkeyed Custodian Taribo Balvano.

As the match headed to the breather, both teams created chances with FOSA’s Jean Clande missing a golden scoring opportunity, when Bakar Mario put him through only to shoot wide in the 34th minute.

Before halftime, Matano made two substitutions withdrawing Aziz Okaka and Henry Uche for Baker Lukooya and Collins Okoth respectively.

After the breather, FOSA were clearly superior as compared to their opponents, who were physical and resorted to long balls to contain the islanders.

FOSA Tactician Koofwijk made two substitutions replacing Rako Baggio and Rado Mbolasoa with Rako Namihima and Angelo Andreas respectively.

The visitors could have taken the lead in the 65th minute, when Bakery Mario rounded up defender Robinson Kamura, only to shoot straight at Leopards keeper Gabriel Andika.

There was lack of co-ordination among AFC Leopards attackers forcing the massive fans, who had turned up to watch the match, to start throwing bottles on the touchline.

AFC Leopards, who are featuring in the competition by virtue of winning the GOtv Shield competition after beating Kariobangi Sharks FC 2-0 in the finals, had a perfect scoring opportunity with Jafari Owiti blasting wide in the 88th minute, after he received a superb pass from Victor Majid.

In a post match interview, Matano blamed his players for their lethargic display.

“The players prepared well for the encounter. I don’t see the reason why they should have not used the home ground advantage to secure victory,” he fumed.

FOSA Coach Koofwijk praised his boys for having putting up a perfect show.

“We dominated the better part of the first half and even the second half. I'm sure we shall defeat our opponents at home. They play a more physical game instead of being skilful,” he said.