Awendo’s Sony Sugar will make a long return journey to the sugar belt region a dejected lot for failing to pick at least a point from AFC Leopards in their Saturday’s Sportpesa Premier League tie at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.
Ugandan, Allan Kateregga’s free header in the early days of the fixture took the Ivan Minneart’s side back to winning ways in three attempts and to the first page of the table standings.
Allan Kateregga
Early flashes of brilliance saw the former champions win a corner that midfielder Benard Mang’oli delivered to precision with unmarked Kateregga jumping high to bury it in an open net.
The proceedings were henceforth dictated by the Salim Babu’s men who remained tails up in search of an elusive leveler.
A timely interception in the ninth minute from defender Joshua Mawira denied Masud Juma who remained a lingering danger in the Leopards goalmouth entire game.
John “Softie” Ndirangu, in the 18th minute picked a loose ball from the midfield, and like a cheater, raced towards Sony’s danger area – curled a beauty with his weaker right foot but keeper Timothy Odhiambo was equal to the task, grabbing the ball with ease.
Six minutes later, the heat was on the other end, however, Samuel Olare’s stylish bicycle kick inside the box was way off target.
Justine Omari pilled further pressure on Ingwe’s defense a minute from the half hour mark but Justin Omari’s header off Justin Monda’s corner kick was marginally off the mark.
Second Half
The same story was replicated in the second half with the visitors putting the hosts on defensive mode for the better part of the stanza.
Valon Mahero rattled the woodwork in the 53rd minute as Leopards survived another onslaught.
Substitute Kepha Aswani, Leopards leading scorer on seven goals headed wide Ndirangu’s delivery in the the 71st minute, he would waste further chances.
Keeper Ian Otieno who remained solid for the 2013 league cup winners foiled another Masud raid in the 83rd minute with a timely clearance.
The final whistle was a great relief for Minneart who could not hide his joy. Leopards jump to 9th from 12th on the log with 24 points while Sony remains 11th with a point less.
@bonfaceosano
