SPL: Sofapaka go top as AFC floor Rangers
Football
By
Rodgers Eshitemi
| Apr 19, 2019
Umar Kasumba's last gasp header moved Sofapaka on top of SportPesa Premier League table after being held to a 1-1 draw by Kariobangi Sharks as Kenyan international Paul Were provided an assist on his return to AFC Leopards in their 3-1 win over Posta Rangers 3-1 in yesterday's matches at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.
Batoto Ba Mungu found themselves trailing on the half-hour mark through George Abebe's easy finish before Kasumba popped up to head home Willis Ouma fantastic cross in the injury time.
The result saw Sofapaka go level on points with Bandari (45) but edged out the dockers on goal difference.
In an earlier match at the same venue, Paul Were inspired a resurgent AFC Leopards to a 3-1 victory against Posta Rangers 3-1.
The victory saw Leopards move up to the tenth spot on the log with 30 points, nine more than 15th placed Rangers.
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And with 2019 African Nations Cup finals in Egypt in the offing, Were doesn't regret his decision to rejoin AFC Leopards following his family and Harambee Stars coach Sebastian Migne's influence.
"I have enjoyed my second debut at AFC. It wasn't easy to make a decision, but I was motivated by my family and Harambee Stars coach Sebastian Migne. He wanted to monitor me more closely that's why I had to return home," said Were.
"But honestly speaking, I feel being at home here with AFC and I am so far impressed with how the boys are playing. I think I have made the right decision because we also have our own challenges abroad. But I need to work hard and keep on pushing in every game."
AFC coach Cassa Mbungo was equally pleased with Were and other new signings' (David Ochieng and Soter Kayumba).
"The new signings have brought experience and stability into the team. They are pushing the rest of the team. Their presence has really improved the performance of other players," said Mbungo.
Were delivered a brilliant cross for Whyvonne Isuza to extend Ingwe lead three minutes into the second half.
Rangers went ahead through Ken Nambute's fourth-minute effort but his celebration was cut short by Brian Marita's equaliser after five minutes. The former Western Stima man pounced on captain Robinson Kamura's free kick to beat Rangers goalkeeper Martin Lule.
Kamura then got his name on the score sheet with a perfectly executed free kick on the stroke of half time.
On-form Isuza put the game beyond the mailmen's reach when he cleverly tapped into the net Were's cross from the left flank.
Yesterday's SPL results
AFC Leopards 3-1 Posta Rangers
Sofapaka 1-1 Kariobangi Sharks