AFC Leopards break Rangers jinx

Nigerian import Alex Orotomal grabbed a brace as AFC Leopards downed Posta Rangers 2-1 in a SportPesa Premier League (SPL) match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on Saturday.

Orotomal thumped in a header for the opener at the quarter-hour mark before Posta equalized through Gerson Likono on 33 minutes.

The mid-season acquisition from Rwandese side Sunshine struck a beauty that turned out to be the winner four minutes before referee Israel Mpaima blew the final whistle.

At Camp Toyoyo grounds, Eric Kapaito claimed a hat-trick as Kariobangi Sharks registered their fifth win over Nakumatt in 11 meetings with a 5-2 score line.

George Abege and substitute Sidney Lokale netted Sharks other goals rendering Amani Kyata and John Njoroge strikes in either half null and void.

Elsewhere in Awasi, Felix Oluoch’s first half goal is all Chemelil Sugar needed to down Mathare United easing their relegation fears as the league enters the homestretch.

Back in Machakos, Eugene Mukangula wrestled the ball from Titus Achesa on the left corner before passing to Brian Marita who picked out Orotomal with a cross that he headed in past Posta shot-stopper Gradus Ochieng’.

Leopards, missing seven key players to injury, had two makeshift full backs in Baker Lukooya and Marita who played on the left and right back positions respectively against a team that had a two-prong attack in Jeremiah Wanjala and Marcellus Ingotsi.

Calvin Odongo shot wide Orotomal’s rebound from a Joackins Atudo long throw in on 25 minutes and two minutes later, Posta won three consecutive corners but none yielded fruits.

A defensive lapse from Captain Duncan Otieno saw Likono sneak in a low shot past Ezekiel Owade for the equalizer three minutes after the half-hour mark.

“It was great performance, we kept our offensive philosophy but I am particularly happy for Alex (Orotomal), he is a fighter,” said Leopards coach Rodolfo Zapata after the game.

His opposite number Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo rued missed chances congratulating Ingwe who ended their two-match winless run.

“We dominated the game at some point but didn’t make use of our scoring chances but I think we should’ve done more in terms of defending in the second half,” said Pamzo.

Both teams created scoring opportunities on resumption in vain.

Whyvonne Isuza lobbed inside the area a dangerous ball but Marita failed to hit the back of the net despite rounding Posta custodian Gradus Ochieng in the 77th minute.

Leopards face Kariobangi Sharks on Tuesday while Posta host Vihiga United next Saturday.

SATURDAY RESULTS

Chemelil Sugar 1-0 Mathare United (Chemelil Complex)

Nakumatt 2-5 Kariobangi Sharks (Camp Toyoyo)

AFC Leopards 2-1 Posta Rangers (Kenyatta Stadium)

SUNDAY FIXTURES

Ulinzi Stars v Wazito (Kericho Green Stadium)

Thika United v Gor Mahia (Thika Stadium)

Kakamega Homeboyz v Nzoia Sugar (Bukhungu)

Vihiga United v SoNy Sugar (Mumias Complex)

Zoo v Bandari (Kericho Green Stadium)