How bust up changed AFC tactics: Feuding Leopards duo return to save Ingwe’s blushes

Ulinzi Stars vs AFC Leopards Ulinzi stars goalkeeper James Saruni vies for the ball with an AFC Leopards player during a friendly match played at Nakuru Afraha stadium on March 4,2017.They drew 0-0. PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

Ghanaian and Ugandan strikers’ standoff forced Hall’s hand against Zoo Kericho.

AFC Leopards have explained why they opted to start with their lead striker Gilbert Fiamenyo and Allan Kateregga on the bench in Sunday’s 1-1 Kenyan Premier League match draw against Zoo Kericho in Machakos.

AFC head coach Stewart Hall took the controversial decision to drop the duo to the bench after they were involved in a bust up after their mid-week 1-0 defeat to Sony Sugar.

But after Johnstone Ligare’s second half opener for ZOo Kericho, the Briton was forced to bring on the pair as Leopards desperately searched for an equaliser.

Interestingly, it is Fiamenyo, who ended up saving the blushes of the lethargic Ingwe, with his fifth goal of the campaign in the 87th minute after the Briton switched from his usual 3-5-2 system to a 4-3-3.

“Well that decision was down to disciplinary issues. For those who were present at the Sony game, there was a fracas between the two players (Fiamenyo and Kateregga). So, the decision to have them on the bench was purely disciplinary, nothing else,” said AFC assistant coach Dennis Kitambi.

The official further said they had been forced to change their in-effective formation due to the absence of injured full back Dennis Sikhai.

“The reason behind the change of system is because of Sikhai’s absence. As you all know the essential ingredients of 3-5-2 formation are the wing backs,” he explained.