By Bonface Osano,

AFC Leopards meteoric rise in the KPL log continued with a 2-0 rout of visitors Muhoroni Youth in an enthralling KPL match played at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday 16th.

The win propelled “Ingwe” to second spot in the log with 21 points from 12 matches, six points behind leaders and sworn enemies Gor Mahia.

Jacob Keli wonder strike

AFC Leopards started the match on a high and in the 2nd minute Ugandan soldier Musa Mudde picked Keli on the right with a slick pass which he (Jacob Keli) perfectly volley in for the opener. The goal is Keli’s 8th in as many league matches moving him top of the scorers’ chat.

Muhoroni Youth finally settled and for a while they dictated play with Jeremiah Wanjala, Wellington Ochieng’ and skipper Abbas Akinyemi forcing Leopards keeper Wycliffe Kasaya to fine saves on several occasions.

Jackson Saleh doubled the lead

Two minutes to half time, Leopards’ dead ball specialist Abdala Juma brought into the box a dangerous corner kick which defender Jackson Saleh rose above the rest to head in to double Ingwe’s lead into the breather.

Jacob Keli should have grabbed a brace in the early minutes of the second half but his move was well read by Muhoroni Youth ‘s keeper Allan Owiny who easily cleared the danger.

Muhoroni Youth defender Godfrey Osama came close in the 63th minute but his direct powerful shot was easily collected by on form Ingwe keeper Wycliffe Kasaya. Leopards held on to the valuable lead to secure the priceless three points despite Youth’s late resurgence.

Assistant coach Yusuf Chippo was a contented man and he was full of praise of the danger man Keli,  “It feels good to have the three points, the game was a little bit tough, fatigue set in but the boys held on. Jacob Keli was splendid,we appreciate what we have seen from him.”

Muhoroni Youth coach Francis Baraza on the other side remained hopeful despite the loss, “The boys gave their all despite the early goal they managed give a good account of themselves. We have young squad  that is still adopting to top the flight football, we are hoping for a top ten finish in the first leg.” Muhoroni remains 13th in the KPL log with 11 points.

AFC Leopards line up: StartingXI: 18. Wycliffe Kasaya, 5. Edwin Wafula, 6. Abdalla Juma, Jackson Saleh, 7. Joseph Wanyonyi,(75’ Lamine Diallo) 25. Musa Mudde, 22. Benard Mangoli, 26. Duncan Otieno, 12. Jacob Keli, 23. Michael Khamati (70’ Mata Kamemba) 27. Noah Wafula. (56’ Emmanuel Ngama)

Unsed subs: 1. Joel Bataro,21. Ezekiel Seda, 13. Khali Jumaam,14. Austine. Ikenna.

Muhoroni Youth line up: Starting XI: 16. Allan Owiny (GK), 24. Franklyn Osama, 7. Yusuf Mohamed, 14. Paul Michuka. 15. Peter Okore, 4. Wellington Ochieng, 9. Jeremiah Wanjala, (61’ Notikelly Masasi) 10. Abbas Akinyemi, 3. Tony Nyangor, (48’ Masita Masuta) 28. Abdalla Hamisi, 25. Ebrahim Ateng. ( 71’ Benjamin Mosha)

Unused subs: 1. Daniel Kiptoo (GK), 19. Fan Ngaira, Paul Mboya, 11. Victor Onyango.

Find me on twitter @bonfaceosano

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com