AFC STORM SEMIS: Leopards edge out Ethiopia’s Defence in Nile Basin Cup quarters

AFC Leopards custodian Patrick Matasi. [PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]

Patrick Matasi produced a sterlling  performance as AFC Leopards qualified for the semi-finals of the on-going inaugural Cecafa Nile Basin Cup after stunning Ethiopia’s Defence 3-2 at the Al-Mereikh Stadium in Khartoum, on Friday.

Leopards will take on Academie Tchite in the semis tomorrow after the Burundians bundled out hosts Al-Merreikh 3-2 on post match penalties (1-1 regular time).

This will be the second meeting between the two clubs in the tournament after Bernard Man’goli’s last gasp strike sunk Academie in the group stages.

On form captain Paul Were put the Gotv Shield Champions ahead in the 28th from the spot after he was brought down in the area before industrious Noah Wafula doubled the lead on the stroke of half time.

Two minutes after resumption, towering defender Joseph Shikokoti  opened his goal account for Ingwe, rising high above his marker to head home the third goal from Were’s cross.

Defence could have pulled a goal-back on the hour mark, but Matasi saved Haile Mulualem‘s penalty before coming off his line again to deny him another scoring opportunity in the box.

In the 72nd minute, the Ethiopians got another penalty when Abera Manaye was fouled in the area and Sheku Ael stepped up to take it and sent Matasi the wrong way.

Three minutes later, an impressive Matasi came to Ingwe’s rescue again punching out Awel’s spot-kick into a fruitless corner before Abrha Amanue’s injury time strike made it 3-2.

Speaking after the victory Pieter Hendrik De Jongh urged his charges to remain focused ahead of Monday’s clash.

“It’s always difficult to beat a team twice in the same tournament, but I am proud of the boys’ unbeaten record and I am confident they’ll do well,” said the Dutchman.

“We are taking one game at a time and it’s now one to go. We need to remain focused and give that match the seriousness it deserves,” he added.

But for Deputy Secretary General Prof Asava Kadima, they’re so far pleased with the team’s performance.

“We are certainly pleased with the progress of the team and I am confident the boys will make us proud,” said Kadima.

He further revealed that Saleh has been given a clean bill of health with Austine Ikenna being the only doubt for the semis.

Saleh, who scored the second goal against Etincelles of Rwanda, is however braced for a tough match.

“It’ll not be an easy match and they’ll definitely be looking for revenge. But with the way we are playing and the morale in the camp we are ready to face them,” said Saleh.

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