AFC Leopards’ push for an unlikely title took a hit when visiting Bandari held them to a barren draw in KPL match played on Sunday at Kenyatta Stadium. The draw leaves Leopards in the fourth place, four points behind Sofapaka in second place but have played a game more.
The battling Coastal side threatened to take the lead in the 9th minute through Yema Mwana was spurned his chance under pressure from Leopards defender Salim Abdalla. In a game of few chances, Leopards squandered a glorious opportunity to snatch three points when new signing, Alex Orotomal missed a penalty in the 30th minute, after Ezekiel Odera was upheld in the Bandari box.
In the 51st minute, Leopards lost yet another chance when youngster Odeny failed to hit the target. AFC Leopards’ fans thought their team had bagged three points in the 76sth minute but Odeny’s effort after beating Bandari custodian, Farouk Shikhalo only saw the referee award a goal-kick much to the chagrin of the Leopards’ faithful.
The draw leaves Leopards with a mountain to climb ahead of next weekend’s explosive derby against runaway leaders Gor Mahia, who are 13 points ahead of Leopards.
The Mashemeji derby will be played at Safaricom Stadium Kasarani on Sunday.
AFC Leopards XI: Ezekiel Owade, Dennis Shikayi, Isaac Oduro, Robinson Kamura, Hassan Abdalla, Duncan Oteino, Brian Marita, Ezekiel Seda, Alex Orotomal, Ezekiel Odera and Jaffery Owiti.
Subs: Jairus Adira, Michael Kibwage, Mburu, Clyde senaji, Vincent Oburu and Eugene Mukangula.
