Super-sub Kaheza strikes to lift Leopards past Western Stima

Tanzanian forward Marcel Kaheza came off the bench to score the winning goal as AFC Leopards rallied from a goal down to beat Western Stima 2-1 in a SportPesa Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday.

Kaheza, who replaced Brian Marita on 53 minutes, latched onto a long ball from the midfield, charged down the right flank before unleashing a left foot curler into the roof of the net with Stima custodian Stephen Otieno left hapless.

Stima captain on the day Wesley Kemboi had shot the visitors ahead on 38 minutes with an easily taken lop from outside the box before Vincent Oburu buried a rebound after Stephen Otieno failed to deal with a shot inside the area six minutes after the break for the equaliser.

Victory for Leopards – their eighth in 21 meetings against Stima - lifted Andre Cassa Mbungo's charges to 13th position on 19 points after 18 rounds.

The loss for Stima stretched their winless run to six games ahead of their next match against Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) here in Machakos on Wednesday.

Ingwe visit Vihiga United next Wednesday at Bukhungu Stadium.

The power men had on the 31st minute missed a penalty after Kennedy Otieno placed his spot kick wide with Leopards goalkeeper Jairus Adira going the wrong way.

Referee Isaac Memusi awarded the penalty for a handball in the box as Leopards players tried to clear their lines following a Stima attack.

Oburu almost claimed a brace on 59 minutes but his low drive from the edge hit the upright before goalkeeper Stephen Otieno recovered to make a save.