Leopards' last minute strike switch off Stima

Western Stima FC's Wesley Kemboi and Christopher Eruchom (left) of AFC during KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County on Saturday, March 23, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Tanzanian import Marcel Kaheza came off the bench to score a last gasp winner as AFC Leopards beat Western Stima 2-1 in yesterday’s SportPesa Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

It was a great comeback for Ingwe after losing their last fixture against Sofapaka.

Bandari’s poor run continued as they missed a chance to get back to the top of the table after being held to a barren draw by hosts Chemelil Sugar. The dockers are level on points (33) with leaders Sofapaka but they are edged out on goal difference.

In Machakos, Leopards’ victory against the powermen saw them take their points tally to 19 and move four places above the relegation zone.

AFC Leopards coach Cassa Mbungo said: “We did it against Tusker and now the boys have done it against Stima. It’s an important win for us, but this is still work in progress.”

Veteran Wesley Kembo put Stima ahead with a flicking header in the 36th minute. This was three minutes after Kennedy Agogo had missed from the spot after a handball from one of AFC defenders.

However, Vincent Oburu drew level seven minutes into the second half after pouncing on Wayyeka Tatuwe’s rebound in the box.

Kaheza then replaced Brian Marita to score the priceless goal from a counter attack deep into stoppage time after combining well with fellow substitute Aziz Okaka.

Both teams started off the match cautiously but it is Leopards, who had a real chance in the 15th minute but Stima goalkeeper Stephen Otieno came off his line to stop Wayyeka from scoring.

Ingwe immediately survived a scare when Christopher Oruchum almost conceded an own goal while trying to clear a cross from the right flank.

Oburu then wasted two golden chances in succession. First, he shot straight at Omondi before his effort agonizingly went wide with the keeper only to beat after being released through by Whvonne Isuza.

Leopards were almost punished in the 33rd minute when one of the defenders handled the ball in the area while trying to clear Luke Ochieng’s long throw ball only for Agogo to be denied by the post.

But three minutes later, Kemboi capitalised on Ingwe’s poor goalkeeping to head a long ball over the advancing custodian Jairus Adira. Leopards could have restored parity just after the break when Isaac Kipyegon made brilliant run on the left flank and delivered a pin pointed cross in the area but Wayyeka’s feeble header was easily gathered by Omondi.