AFC Leopards Coach Ivan Minnaert is full of praise for his charges for a well crafted goal against arch rivals Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby this evening at Kasarani saying they trained for it.

Substitute Lamine Dialo tapped in Clifton Miheso’s cross from the left, for the lone goal which ended K’Ogalo’s 35-match unbeaten streak in the 82nd minute.

“Of course we know that we are fast on the wings and the goal is what we have been training for during the week,” Ivan told Soka25east.com.

He believes the game was 50/50 despite match stats showing the opponent enjoyed better ball position and looked more dangerous in attack especially in the first half.

He singled out Dialo and Allan Kateregga for a splendid game, adding that Kateregga responded superbly well from a low key display against Bandari during the midweek win.

Leopards host Chemelil FC at Nyayo on Sunday 13 in the next league match, and the Belgian reckons today’s win has given them a good basis to build on moving forward.

“It’s a good basis to continue to work on and make the team even better,”

Asked whether he will deliver the crown to the den for the first time in 18 years, the former Rayon Sports man said he will have a clear picture of the title race after 2 to 3 months.

“The league is still long but now we need to look each week to win, and in two to three months we will see where we are.” He concluded.

Defending champions Gor Mahia remains winless in four matches.

@bonfaceosano