Leopards Handed Walk-Over, Mathare, Tusker Romp

1st May 2019 - by Erick Ochieng

The three points and two goals saw Ingwe climb the SPL log to eighth on 37 points while the millers dipped to 11th on 32

SUMMARY

The crunch tie was initially slated for Mumias Complex but was later changed to Kakamega where there was a double header also involving Kakamega Homeboyz FC against Tusker FC
Cliff Nyakeya scored a brace as Mathare United (43 points) thrashed ten-man Zoo Kericho 3-1 at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani to move to fourth
Homeboyz tactician, Nicholas Muyoti admitted Tusker were the better side in the tie even though his boyz stretched beyond their limit in the duel

KAKAMEGA, Kenya- AFC Leopards SC were awarded a walkover after their opponents, Nzoia Sugar FC failed to honour their SportPesa Premier League (SPL) fixture at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Wednesday afternoon.

The crunch tie was initially slated for Mumias Complex but was later changed to Kakamega where there was a double header also involving Kakamega Homeboyz FC against Tusker FC.

“We have handed Leopards three points and two goals after their opponents did not turn-up for the game,” league fixture secretary, Michael Kirwa told SportPesa News.

The easy victory saw Leopards climb to eighth on 37 points while Nzoia dipped to 11th on 32.

This was the second walk-over in a span of one week which was being presented after defending champions, Gor Mahia FC were also handed the same when basement side, Mount Kenya United FC, failed to travel to Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos last Thursday over salary dispute.

Cliff Nyakeya scored a brace as Mathare United (43 points) thrashed ten-man Zoo Kericho 3-1 at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani to move to fourth.

Zoo dropped to 17th where they are fighting relegation with 18th placed Mt. Kenya who were routed 0-3 by ten-man Western Stima in Machakos.

Derrick Otanga scored a double to give hosts Sony Sugar FC a 3-1 win over Vihiga United in Awendo.

The same was replicated by Vincent Wasambo who notched a brace to help Kariobangi Sharks FC draw 2-2 with Chemelil Sugar FC at Chemelil Complex as Sofapaka FC edged Posta Rangers 3-2 in Machakos.

Tusker buried Homeboyz with a 3-1 win in a one sided encounter at Bukhungu to move to sixth. Head coach Robert Matano attributed the victory to the young squad he picked for the match.

“ I went for youth, not experience and I’m glad it paid off. My strikers were sharp, they mastered the tactical approach we used in the game,” Matano underlined.

“ I will continue to rotate the players to give everyone opportunity at the same time rest those injured or fatigued,” he added.

Homeboyz tactician, Nicholas Muyoti admitted Tusker were the better side in the tie even though his charges stretched beyond their limit in the duel.

“Despite the loss, I’m glad that Allan Wanga is still leading the Golden Boot race and it is our hope that he will eventually win the category,” Muyoti underscored.