AFC Leopards had to settle for a share of the spoils after they were held to a 1-1 draw by a gutsy Fosa Juniors in a CAF Confederations Cup preliminary rounds tie played at the Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday evening.
The first half was an end-to-end affair with Leopards showing great promise, before a rather dull two minutes.
Yusuf Mainge gave Leopards the lead in the 3rd minute after he finished off a beautifully crafted ball,but the stubborn visitors came storming right back when Rado Mbolasoa equalized ten minutes later.
Fifteen minutes later, Thedin Ramanjary and Nambinna Ralairimanana had both sent Gabriel Andika’s heart racing with Ramanjary himself squandering a great chance in the 35th minute.
Leopards had a great opportunity to grab second when Duncan Otieno set up, Prince Arko but the striker fired his shot wide of goal.
In an effort to add second goal, Leopards coach Robert Matano brought on Baker Lukooya in place of Henry Uche at the end of first half.
Ingwe took control of the game from this point on with Ramaritany Damien called into a succession of saves to deny the home team.
At the start of the second half Leopards dominated ball possession and they created a few half-chances, but Fosaa Juniors proved to be resolute in defence.
A Leopards short corner saw Baker Lukooya whip in a low cross that found Victor Majid, who forced fourth stop from Juniors’ goalkeeper.
At the other end of the pack Andika showed great resilience to block two shots in quick succession after 69 minutes. Firstly, he denied Bakary Mario and Jean Vyes, who saw his shot deflected inches over the crossbar.
Ezekiel Odera saw his attempted back-heel in the 81st minute flash inches wide. Duncan Otieno was unable to direct a powerful cross on target as the game ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.