Disciplined Leopards Roar Over Chemelil, Nzoia Draw Blanks With Rangers

NAIROBI, Kenya- Goals from Whyvonne Isuza and Aziz Okaka propelled struggling domestic giants, AFC Leopards SC further away from the SpotPesa Premier League drop zone in a 2-0 victory over Chemelil Sugar FC at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Thursday evening.

Head coach Andre Cassa Mbungo's side had been pushed down to 15th before the start of the match when Vihiga United FC forced a 1-1 draw with title chasing Sofapaka FC earlier at the same venue.

But in one of their most disciplined performances of the season, the 12-time league crown holders notched sixth win of the season to take their tally for the campaign to 23 as they ended the day in 12th.

In another later game, Nzoia Sugar FC (22) drew blanks with Posta Rangers FC (17) at the Sudi Stadium in Bungoma in an outcome that dropped the former to 13th as the latter slipped to the dreaded SPL/National Super League play-off spot of 16th.

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Zoo Kericho FC (17), who had earlier forced SportPesa Shield winners, Kariobangi Sharks FC to a 1-1 draw, thus dropped to the relegation zone on goal-difference courtesy of the point Rangers picked as the battle to avoid the chop intensified.

In Machakos, Isuza the star of Leopards midfield notched the fastest strike of the SPL season after he fired the ball to the back of the net with barely 40 seconds on the clock to stun Chemelil in a roaring start for Rwandese Mbungo's side.

From kick-off, Leopards pinged the ball back and forth to bamboozle their opponents before Eugene Mukangula found Isuza with a lobbed delivery and the midfielder adjusted to put his side ahead.

Chemelil were made to pay again for another dozy start when Okaka took only four minutes of the second half to extend Leopards' lead before they held on for the much needed victory that was their third in the last six.

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It set up Leopards nicely for the forthcoming Mashemeji Derby against eternal rivals, champions and log leaders Gor Mahia FC who are enjoying an obstructed view from the top having built a seven-point lead over closest challengers, Sofapaka FC.

Thursday SPL results

Nzoia Sugar 0-0 Posta Rangers-Sudi Stadium

Kariobangi Sharks 1-1 Zoo FC – Machakos

AFC Leopards 2-0 Chemelil Sugar – Machakos

Sofapaka 1-1 Vihiga United – Machakos