Ingwe bounce back: AFC end four-game winless streak with victory against City Stars

AFC Leopards players celebrate their second goal against City Stars during their KPL match

Pieter De Jongh registered his first win in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) as AFC Leopards ended their four-game winless streak with a 2-0 victory over a resilient Nairobi City Stars, at Nyayo National Stadium, yesterday.

“We got chances and exploited them. The positive thing is that we bagged the maximum points. It’s a motivating and morale boosting result ahead of the derby against Gor Mahia,” said De Jongh.

Goals from Kenyan international Noah Wafula and Nigerian import Austine Ikenna in a span of ten minutes is all that a rejuvenated GOtv Shield champions needed to condemn their bogey team City Stars to defeat.
It took Leopards only four minutes to break the deadlock after Wafula, who’s making his first start in the league since the beginning of the season, exploited the hosts’ defensive lapse to beat advancing custodian Fred Majani with a low shot.

In less than two minutes, Kevin Opiyo had a chance to level the scores but he’s dispossessed by Martin Imbalambala in the area before Ikenna rose high above his markers to head home the captain’s cross.

Leopards continued enjoying possession and they could have extended the lead in the 18th minute after Humphrey Mieno controlled the ball on his chest but failed to shoot on target.

Just after the half hour mark, City Stars’ Kevin Ochieng received the first booking for diving before Justus Basweti’s feeble shot went directly into Martin Musalia’s hands.

With less than five minutes to the break, wasteful Opiyo headed wide with Musalia only to beat after a brilliant cross from Nelson Marasowe.

City Stars then brought in Mark Ongwae for an off colour Oscar Mbugua but the score line remained intact as both teams went to the lockers.

In the 57th minute, Wafula who’s a thorn in City Stars backline had a chance to make it 3-0, but instead of shooting he passed the ball to Mieno who blasted wide.

Moments later, substitute Victor Ashianga could have pulled a goal back for the Kawangware-based side, but he fluffed his shot before Opiyo missed another golden opportunity.

Following the victory, Leopards have moved to tenth place on the log with 22 points, while Stars are five points above the relegation zone.

Leopards take on Gor Mahia in Sunday’s derby in a match expected to produce fireworks as K’Ogalo will be looking forward to extend the lead while AFC will be motivated by yesterday’s victory.