AFC Leopards booked their place in the semifinals of the Sportpesa Shield Cup after overcoming Nationwide side Kenya Police FC 4-1, in a match played on Saturday at the iconic Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.
Goals from Whyvonne Isuza, Ezekiel Odera, Eugene Mukangula and inform Brian Marita ensured Leopards remained on the course to defend the much coveted title.
The game started on a higher note with Leopards controlling proceedings and this was evident in 8th minute when Brian Marita’s long range volley went close to opening the scoring. Seven minutes later ingwe found the opener through Whyvonne Isuza after a fine cross from Marita.
Ezekiel Odera back from a two match suspension slotted home the second goal in the 27th minute after a well chopped cross from Baker Lukooya, Eugene Mukangula then bagged the third goal a minute to the break with Marita providing the assist again.
In the second half Police FC came in the match a better side but Leopards defence proved too strong for them, Brian Marita who put a man of the match display in finally got on the score sheet with a well taken header, Isuza providing the assist this time.
Police however got the consolation goal in the 78th minute when Majid’s failed clearance found its way in the back of the net, Leopards would have scored more but debutant Saad Musa missed from the spot kick after Seda was brought down in the box.
Leopards held on to win the game 4-1, a perfect performance that propelled Rodolfo Zapata men to the semi finals. They are likely to face Sofapaka or Tusker FC.
Starting X1: Owade Ezekiel (GK), Sikhayi Dennis (Okaka Aziz), Lukooya Baker, Kibwage Michael, Otieno Duncan, Tsuma Said (Seda Edward), Marita Brian, Majid Victor, Odera Ezekiel, Isuzza Whyvonne (Saad Musa), Mukangula Eugene.
Unused Subs: Adira Jairus, Oruchum Christopher, Abwao Marcus, Mainge Yusuf.
