KPL: Leopards cage Zoo as Ulinzi edge out Rangers in Machakos

Sammy Odero (left) of Posta Rangers FC tackles Enosh Ochieng of Ulinzi Stars FC during their KPL match at Machakos stadium on January 05, 2020. Photo/ Stafford Ondego

John Makwatta scored a hat-trick to inspire AFC Leopards to a thrilling 4-1 win over Zoo Kericho in an entertaining Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match played at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County yesterday.

At the same time, Ulinzi Stars moved three places up to fourth in the KPL standings after edging out Posta Rangers 2-0 in an early kick-off match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County.

Enosh Ochieng gave the Soldiers a narrow 1-0 lead at the break with his seventh strike of the season in the 33rd minute before Oscar Wamalwa sealed all the three points with an 85th-minute goal. The win saw Benjamin Nyangweso’s men extend their unbeaten run to 11 consecutive matches in the league with their last loss coming in September last year against Mathare United.

FOCUS ON MID-WEEK MATCHES

“Consistency week after week has helped us go on an impressive 11 matches without a loss and I am glad the boys are giving it their all in every match. Our focus now shifts to our mid-week match against Wazito and our aim is to keep tabs with leaders Gor who are only four points ahead, “ Nyangweso told the Standard Sports yesterday.

In Kakamega, Makwatta went joint top of the top scorers list with Tusker’s Timothy Otieno on nine goals after netting an impressive hat-trick to help AFC Leopards register their sixth win of the campaign.

Boniface Mukhekhe gave the hosts a 13th minute lead after heading in Austin Odhiambo’s corner before Makwatta grabbed his first of the day with a sublime free kick ten minutes later after Collins Shivachi was fouled.

COACH KIMANI HAPPY

Zoo Kericho responded immediately after the restart with Collins Neto heading in Kepher Ondati’s corner but their attempted comeback was thwarted when Makwatta restored Leopards two-goal advantage in the 67th minute when Lumumba failed to deal with a Robinson Kamura free-kick. 

Makwatta scored his third of the day in the 76th minute after catching the Zoo defence napping to seal a 4-1 victory for caretaker coach Anthony Kimani who did not hide his joy after the win. 

“We played very well today despite our recent challenges. This shows how the players are ready to give it all for the club and I believe we can make it to the top four if we maintain our consistency,” an elated Kimani said. 

Leopards face Posta Rangers next during the mid-week KPL matches with an aim of extending their unbeaten run to eight straight matches.