Zapata Proud Of AFC Leopards Cup Success

NAIROBI, Kenya- AFC Leopards SC head coach Rodolfo Zapata expressed utmost pride in his team's performance against Kenya Police FC on Saturday at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.

Cup holders Leopards put on a dazzling performance to dismiss Police 4-1 and qualify for the quarterfinals of the FKF SportPesa Shield tournament.

Star midfielder and this season’s club top scorer, Whyvonne Isuza opened the scoring before returning striker Ezekiel Odera and Eugene Mukangula added two more before the halftime break.

Speedy winger Brian Marita got on the end of an Isuza cross late on in the second half to put the icing on the cake for AFC Leopards.

“We played extremely well and I couldn’t be more proud of my players for the hardwork and cohesion they displayed out there,” Argentine Rodolfo Zapata told SportPesa News.

“I stressed the importance of goals and executing our chances after the defeat to Wazito in midweek. The team’s response to what I said was remarkable.

Ingwe could have even scored up to seven goals in the match, with the Kenya Police custodian being called upon to make three remarkable saves in the second half of the entertaining encounter.

They will now face Sofapaka FC in the semis, after Batoto Ba Mungu eliminated 2016 SPL champions Tusker FC 1-0 courtesy of an Ezekiel Okare goal.

The other semi will see Ulinzi Stars FC take on Kariobangi Sharks FC, after 4-1 and 1-0 wins over River Plate FC and Gor Mahia FC respectively.

International break

Leopards, who are currently third in the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) standings, completely dominated possession throughout the game and aside from the goal they conceded, a solitary Patrick Oboya attempt was the only source of danger toward Ezekiel Owade’s goal.

“It’s a terrific feeling to register such a resounding victory at this stage of the tournament and I have no doubt that we are doing all we can to state our intentions of retaining the trophy.

“We have to switch our focus to the league now, where we are content with a top three finish but we are working toward clinching that second place spot,” Zapata underlined.

Leopards will have time to regroup and hopefully welcome back a few of their injured starters as a two-week FIFA International break disrupts the SPL fixtures.

Their next assignment will be against ninth place Posta Rangers FC who beat Chemelil Sugar FC 1-0 in the only SPL match played on Sunday.