Rupia claws Rangers at Kasarani, KCB held

AFC Leopards SC striker Elvis Rupia celebrates with teammate Marvin Nabwire after scoring against Posta Rangers during their FKF-PL match at Kasarani stadium on January 30, 2021. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Elvis Rupia continued his fine run in front of goal as AFC Leopards warmed up to next Sunday’s Mashemeji derby with a 2-1 win over Posta Rangers in Saturday’s FKF Premier League match at Kasarani Stadium.

A few metres away, Kariobangi Sharks bounced back to the winning ways with leading scorer Eric Kapaito scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 victory against Nairobi City Stars at Kasarani Annex.

The victories saw both fourth placed AFC Leopards and Kariobangi Sharks remain level on 18 points, four behind league leaders KCB who were held to a barren draw by Ulinzi Stars in Nakuru.

The opener at Kasarani took Rupia’s goal tally to ten, two behind Kapaito.

But for AFC Leopards coach Anthony Kimani, the victory was a morale booster ahead of Sunday’s tie against champions Gor Mahia.

“It’s a great win and a perfect performance from the boys ahead of the derby. We will continue working hard as we aim to achieve our target.”

Posta Rangers coach Sammy Omollo said: “ We lost this game in the first half due to defensive errors.”

AFC Leopards players celebrate Shaka Bienvenue goal against Posta Rangers during their FKF-PL match at Kasarani stadium on January 30, 2021. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Rupia capitalised on a defensive blunder to break the deadlock on the half hour mark before he was involved in Bienvenue Shaka’s goal four minutes later.

Cavin Odongo came off the bench to pull a goal back for Posta Rangers in the 83rd minute but Ingwe held their nerves to claim a third consecutive win.

AFC had a chance to take the lead in the 19th minute but goalkeeper Byrne Omondi came off his line to gather Austin cross before Kamura headed away Timothy Omondi’s long throw ball for a fruitless corner.

Marvin Nabwire then earned a free kick for Leopards in a promising position only for the goalkeeper to pull off a brilliant finger-tip save to stop Austin Odhiambo’s effort before Rupia blasted wide after receiving a  long ball.

Shaka Bienvenue (Left} of AFC Leopards outpaces Simon Dwang and Gearson Likonoh of Posta Rangers on January 30, 2021. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Moments later Odhiambo missed a chance to break the deadlock after being set up by Peter Thiong’o before Gearson Likono’s deflected attempt was easily gathered by goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan.

Rupia then broke the deadlock on the half hour mark when he unleashed a powerful shot after latching onto a loose ball in the box.

Four minutes later, Rupia was involved in the second goal with Shaka scoring from a close range, pouncing on the rebound after the keeper spilled a header.