Leopards milk victory against Thika United

Kenyan Premier League leaders, AFC Leopards, stretched their unbeaten run this season to 10 matches with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the boisterous Thika United, as the noose tightened around the necks of Rangers, Sony Sugar and Oserian.

AFC Leopards 2 Thika United 1

Jan Koops’ men showed a lot of character by coming from behind to beat Thika United at the Thika Municipal Stadium to go 6 points clear at the top of the table.

The profile of the match reached fever pitch with Thika coach John Irungu vowing to inflict Leopards with their first loss of the season.

But it all proved empty talks as Leopards drew first blood courtesy of Victor Ochieng 21st minute header. The lead didn’t last for long though. Eight minutes later, prolific goal scorer, Moses Arita, brought the home side on level terms.

It was a frantic opening half hour and Leopards regained their advantage on the 33rd minute mark with a goal from veteran striker Mike Baraza, who started the match alongside Ochieng and Jimmy Bageya in the absence of the injured Allan Wanga.

Though both teams created chances in the second half, neither was able to convert them into goals. The result means Leopards remain on top of the table with 26 points from 10 matches.

Muhoroni Youth 1 Sony Sugar 0

In Muhoroni, Sony Sugar will rue two missed penalties that handed the home side victory on a silver platter. David Oriki’s 20th minute strike was all that Alfred Imonje’s men needed to secure victory and all three points on offer.

The sugar millers who set the early pace at the start of the season have now gone eight matches without a win.

Western Stima 3 Oserian 0

After squeezing a win against Gor Mahia last weekend, Oserian were quickly brought down to earth with a 3-0 drubbing by Western Stima at Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium.

Alloys Mangi and George Wesa grabbed a goal each to give the home side a two-goal lead going into halftime. Justine Monda, who was the provider of the first goal, twisted the knife on Oserian’s back with Stima’s third goal in the second half to put the match beyond the Naivasha flower men.

Oserian’s win against Gor Mahia on Sunday lifted them above the danger zone, but with Gor and City Stars all in action Sunday, Sammy Otinga’s side could yet again find themselves in the relegation zone.

Rangers 0 Karuturi Sports 0

Newly-appointed Rangers coach, James Nandwa, failed to inspire the troubled side to victory in his first match in charge settling for a barren draw with the visiting Karuturi Sports at the Nairobi City Stadium.

The match was of particular importance to Nandwa whose last club coaching job was at Karuturi, who fired him towards the end of last season.

Nesta Kizito

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