AFC Leopards leap-frogged Mathare United and Ulinzi Stars back into third place after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sony Sugar, in a match played at Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday.
Leopards scored the all-important goal in the 53rd minute through Abdalla Salim who rose highest to thunder Brian Marita’s corner into the net.
The match saw coach Rodolfo Zapata make two changes to the team that lost to Homeboyz, with, Marvin Nabwire and Isaac Oduro coming in for Victor Majid and Moses Mburu.
Leopards had threatened prior to the opener with speedster Marita forcing a reflex save form the Sony goalie in the 13th minute.
Whyvonne Isuza squandered a glorious opportunity when he shot feebly after a cut-back from Ezekiel Odera in the 27th minute, after a fine counter-attacking move as Sony Sugar lived dangerously.
Alex Orotomal made his debut, coming on in the second half drawing joy and excitement from the Ingw’e faithful.
Ingw’e is now level on points with Bandari in third and a further five points behind Sofapaka, who have both played a game more.
Leopards take on Coast-based Bandari Fc at the Kenyatta Stadium next Saturday, knowing that a win will directly derail one of their rival’s chances in the race for the top three finish.
AFC Leopards X1: Ezekiel Owade, Dennis Sikhayi, Salim Abdalla, Robinson Kamura, Isaac Oduro, Duncan Otieno, Marvin Nabwire, Whyvonne Isuza, Brian Marita, Jaffrey Owiti, Ezekiel Odera.
Subs: Jairus Adira, Alex Orotomal, Edward Seda, Eugene Mukangula, Michael Kibwage, Victor Majid, Moses Mburu
