Last-gasp Oburu equaliser rescues Leopards in Thika

Vincent Oburu’s last-gasp equaliser saved new AFC Leopards coach Rodolfo Zapata the blushes as the 13-time Kenyan champions rallied from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Vihiga United in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Thika Sub-County Stadium Saturday.

Christopher Masinza headed home a shock opener from inside the area in the fifth minute before Michael Isabwa doubled their advantage on 35 minutes to leave Zapata, who was taking charge of his first match, animated on the touchline.

The Argentine’s half-time pep talk seemed to have worked with Whyvonne Isuza turning home a penalty in the 51st minute after Bernard Ochieng’ brought down Marvin Omondi in the box.

Oburu then saved Zapata the unwanted history of losing the first match with a last-gasp equaliser to send the stunned Leopards fans into a frenzy.

“I am very proud of my boys, they fought like real Leopards,” said the Argentine in his post-match comments.

“I only had one session with them but they showed good attitude today despite committing a few mistakes in the first half which we shall rectify. The most important thing is that we controlled the entire second half and created chances.”

MANOAH DISAPPOINTED

His opposite number Edward Manoah was disappointed after throwing a two-goal advantage to record their seventh draw of the season.

“We deserved to win this game with more goals but schoolboy mistakes cost us,” a furious Manoah said.

“Most of our players are in their first season in the KPL and for us, it’s a learning process. We need maximum concentration and composure especially inside the box to hold onto our lead if we are to conjure up results.”

The draw extended Leopards’ winless run to six matches but moved to third on 20 points, six adrift leaders Gor Mahia who play Mathare United on Sunday in Machakos.

Vihiga came into the match on the back of a 3-1 win over Nzoia Sugar in midweek while Ingwe settled for a 1-1 draw with Kariobangi Sharks.

Zapata started Gabriel Andika in place of Ezekiel Owade in goal and recalled Vincent Oburu to the starting lineup while the visitors had Andrew Murunga upfront.

A bright start by Vihiga yielded the opener barely five minutes into the match after Charles Okwemba’s flicked pass from the area was finished off by Masinza.

However, it was Isabwa’s thunderbolt from 20 yards in the 35th minute that caught Andika napping, prompting wild celebrations from former Vihiga County Governor Moses Akaranga.

Five minutes after the restart, Oburu fed Marvin Omondi but the latter was slow to finish off but won a penalty a minute later after being fouled by Bernard Ochieng’. Isuza made no mistake from 12 yards, just three days after scoring another penalty against Sharks.

The introduction of Aziz Okaka and Ezekiel Otuoma added some punch into the hosts’ attack who pressed on until that last minute strike from Oburu after Vihiga defenders failed to clear their lines.

Leopards visit Chemelil Sugar in their next match while Vihiga host Sofapaka on May 6.

Result

AFC Leopards 2-2 Vihiga United

Sunday fixtures

Nakumatt v Bandari (Kenyatta stadium, Machakos 2pm)

Mathare United v Gor Mahia (Kenyatta stadium, Machakos 4.15pm)

Tusker v Sony Sugar (Ruaraka grounds 2pm)

Sofapaka v Wazito (Ruaraka grounds 4:15pm)

Ulinzi Stars v Chemelil Sugar (Afraha stadium, 3pm)

Posta Rangers v Kariobangi Sharks (Camp Toyoyo grounds 3pm)

Thika United v Nzoia Sugar (Thika Sub County Stadium 3pm)

Monday

Kakamega Homeboyz v Zoo Kericho (Bukhungu Stadium, 3pm)