INGWE upset Thika to storm top half: Ikenna, Khamati and Shikokoti fire as Leopards jump to position seven on KPL standings

AFC Leopards players celebrate their goal during their Kenya Premier League encounter against Thika United at City Stadium yesterday. Leopards won 3-0. [PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO/ STANDARD]

AFC Leopards registered one of their biggest wins of the season after thrashing Thika United 3-0 at City Stadium in this Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match on Friday.

Goals from Austin Ikenna, Joseph Shikokoti and Mike Khamati were enough to give Leopards all three points.

It was sweet revenge for Ingwe who lost the first leg to Thika United on a technicality as the match was called off due to crowd trouble and the latter were awarded all the three points.

On Friday, Leopards were not taking any chances and went all out in search of a winner as they are fighting for a top eight finish.

After a period of relentless attacks, Leopards were awarded a penalty in the 22nd minute after a Thika United defender handled the ball inside his own danger zone and Nigerian forward Austin Ikenna stepped up to score.

Then in the 37th minute Joseph Shikokoti headed home from a Bernard Mangoli free kick.

Even before both goals came, Leopards were the hungrier side of the two as they searched for an opener.

Bernard Mangoi was lethal from free kicks on the left side of the Thika area.

The first chance for Leopards came in the 20th minute when Ikenna was released by Mangoli and his final shot gave Muwonge in the Thika goal problems as he tripped while trying to keep out the danger.

Then Liberian Thika United defender Dirkir Glay was booked for dangerous play even as Leopards continued with the search for an opener and it did come a few minutes later.

A slight downpour at the stadium did not dampen the spirit of both players as the second half kicked off

Both teams went on the offensive eager to be the first to score though it was Thika United who were the more daring.

Wycliff Opondo was brought in for Dennis Odhiambo who before being substituted had argued with Leopards goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.

Leopards also rested Mangoli for Mike Khmati while Noah Wafula rested for Jacob Keli in a bid to ensure they kept all three points by increasing their goals tally and it worked as Khamati scored the third in the 77th minute.