Muhoroni Sugar add salt to Leopards’ wound in Awendo

By Nick Oluoch

Collins Neto netted a superb header as Muhoroni Youth heaped more misery on AFC Leopards when they condemned them to a 2-1 loss during a Tusker Premier League game at Awendo Green Stadium.

 Leopards came into the game after indifferent performances in the league so far and were first to get off the block pinning Muhoroni Youth in their half early on as they sought for early goals.

 And they were soon rewarded in the 13th minute through Martin Imbalambala who, after some neat interplay with Mike Baraza, found a shooting space outside the box before beating George Ochieng’ in Muhoroni’s goal with a tricky shot to give Leopards a deserved lead.

 They continued to dominate with Ochieng’ saving well from Mike Baraza and Allan Wanga as Youth defended resolutely to keep the score at 1-0.

 After a period of sustained pressure, Youth eventually got the ball out of their box and a quick counter-attacking move ended with Neto squaring the ball to Joseph Emeka who beat Martin Musalia in Leopards goal to make it 1-1  in the 28th minute. The half ended with Leopards in the ascendancy but they were unable to get behind the organised Youth’s defence.

 In the second half, the game was evenly balanced, but it was Youth who got the winning goal in the 54th minute with Neto popping in in the box to head home a cross from the cornet after some hesitant defending by the Leopards defence.

 Leopards mounted a late rally but it was Youth who were closest to adding a third goal after a quick counter attack put Emeka through but Musalia saved well to deny the former Tusker strike.

 Youth’s coach Alfred Imonje was predictably pleased with the determination and grit his team showed especially in defence and said he was confident the team will do very well in the league this season.

 AFC’s Tom Olaba was left to rue missed chances in the first half but said he was confident the team would continue improving as the league goes on.