AFC spoilt for fight in Addis: Leopards trophy hunt boosted with return of crucial players

By GILBERT WANDERA

AFC Leopards striker Allan Wanga has warned the team against premature celebrations ahead of their return CAF Confederations Cup match against Defence of Ethiopia on Sunday.

Leopards carry a healthy 2-0 win registered in the first leg of the match last Sunday in Nairobi but Wanga insists this is no reason to begin celebrations prior to the Addis Ababa encounter.

“It must be remembered that we won the first leg match at home and we will be away infront of a hostile crowd. It is not done yet and we must take this match just as serious,” he said.

Wanga, who missed the first leg match due to injury, has fully recovered to be included in the travelling party as the team leaves this morning.

“I am glad to be back in the squad. The soft tissue injury has fully cleared and I believe this gives the team a lot of strength and options  especially upfront,” he added.

Apart from Wanga, Mike Khamati is the other striker who has recovered to be included in the team ahead of Sunday’s return leg match.

“Our presence will no doubt give the boys plenty of morale and this should help is push for good results,” he added.

On their way to winning against the Ethiopian side, Leopards were lifted by goals from Martin Imbalambala and Jacob Keli.

Wanga’s presence is expected to give coach James Nandwa new edge upfront. The striker scored 12 goals for Leopards last season to help them to second place in the league and also win the GOtv Shield that enabled them to return to continental football since 2010.

Also returning from injury is Mike Khamati and winger Noah Wafula. Khamati had a knock on his shin and Wafula was suffering from a groin injury.

“I am happy that the these players are finally back in training and available for selection,” said Nandwa.

Their presence will be a huge boost for Nandwa as he travels to Addis Ababa carrying a 2-0 goal advantage from the first leg.

Their  opponents, Defence will be hoping that a home-ground advantage can inspire them to overturn this result. The home side has to score at least three goals to edge out Leopards and this is if the Kenyan club does not add any more goals.

Elsewhere, hundreds of  Leopards’ fans will travel to the Ethiopian capital on Saturday morning.

According to Fred Lutta,  who is mobilising the fans,  their presence will be a big motivation to the team. AFC AFC are looking for a positive result to make it to the next round of the competition.

“We are advising the fans to stay at the nearby National Hotel, which is a few metres from the stadium. The fans have received subsidised rates on their tickets as they will be required to pay Sh25,000 for a return ticket,” said Lutta.