Sofapaka claw Leopards in Narok

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Ugandan striker Feni Ali scored a brace as Sofapaka bounced back to winning ways with a convincing 2-0 victory over AFC Leopards in yesterday’s Kenyan Premier League match in Narok.

At Afraha, Jeremiah Wanjala’s penalty kick on the stroke of half-time inspired Kakamega Homeboyz to a hard-fought 1-0 win against hosts Ulinzi Stars.

The victory took second-placed Homeboyz back to within eight points (43) of league leaders Gor Mahia, who trounced Bandari 3-1 on Saturday.

Mike Mururi’s side was awarded a penalty after Geoffrey Kokoyo handled the ball in the box.

Coming off two defeats in a row that blew their title hopes, a wounded Batoto Ba Mungu started off the brighter side with Ali connecting Leroy Otieno’s brilliant cross to break the deadlock in the first 30 seconds of the game.

The Ugandan then unleashed a thunderous effort from 25 yards in the 19th minute, leaving goalkeeper Ian Otieno with no chance and help Sofapaka complete a double over Leopards.

The victory saw Sofapaka leapfrog Ulinzi Stars into the third position, 12 points behind league leaders Gor Mahia.

Sofapaka assistant coach John Baraza said: “With Gor Mahia’s current form, it will be impossible for any other team to deny them the title. Our target now is to finish among the top three.”

In Awasi, Elijah Mwanzia scored a stoppage-time penalty as Mathare United secured a vital point after holding Chemelil Sugar to a one-all draw.

While in Thika, Posta Rangers extended their winless run to ten games after being forced to a barren draw by visiting Sony Sugar.