Post Match: Oserian (H)

Leopards went to the top of the League and the coverage was on point!

The Nation went with this.

The KPL website reported:-

ALLAN Wanga led the assault and also scored once as AFC Leopards took an emphatic 2-0 victory over a fighting Oserian at the National Stadium on Saturday. 

Leopards jumped to the top of the Kenyan Premier League table, albeit on goal difference over Sofapaka, after a performance of glorious entertainment no doubt going to spark bigger “Ingwe” following in the coming fixtures.

Oserian were worthy opponents and only the pedigree of Leopards, who clearly bore a title contender tag, dampened the Naivasha team’s efforts. Mike Baraza came on in the 61st minute to score the second for Leopards in the 77th minute. 

Nervousness and too much wild use of the ball marked the clash between Nairobi City Stars and Karuturi Sport that preceded the AFC v Oserian delight.

When AFC Leopards made the breakthrough with Allan Wanga’s stylish header in the 22nd minute it was confirmation of the edge they had over Oserian in spirited play.

Wanga and hyperactive Ugandan pace-man Jimmy Bageya had kept the attacking pressure on the Oserian defence and most affected was goalie Enock Obong’o.

The ‘keeper had been troubled by a ball that almost let in Bageya to score in the sixth minute. It was indeed Obong’o’s blunder that indirectly led to Wanga’s opener.

The Oserian ‘keeper could have taken in his hands a slow harmless ball coming into his goal area but when he sloppily tried to control it with his feet it trickled out for a corner.

When the corner from the right was eventually saved by the Oserian defence, and booted to the midfield, Charles Okwemba made a lightning counter on the right flank, brilliantly dribbling past two defenders, both of whom fouled him. The second ended with a yellow card caution and conceding of a free-kick.

Salim Khamis swung the ball in from 35 yards and Wanga, unmarked in the six-yard box, rose magnificently above everyone else, his classical header powerfully directing the ball past a hapless Obong’o.

It was marvelous to see Oserian refuse to lie down and die. And thrilling too, to see men like John [Kio] Kabui, a lowly journeyman through several clubs in the last half a dozen years, taking up captaincy and a key role inspiring Oserian’s midfield play.

Other new arrivals at Oserian who played like veterans of the team were ex-Karuturi man Tom Onyango and ex-AFC Leopards defender Franklyn Osama.

But it was Wanga who was again to miss golden chances in the 50th minute and the twice within the 57th minute. Obong’o was in all sorts of trouble in the goalmouth scrambles that took the ball to safety.

But Oserian never shied at attempting responses to whatever was thrown at them. Indeed the busiest man at the Leopards defence was the man in the middle, ex-Karuturi Amon Muchiri, making his first start for the new club in the absence of Jonas Nahimana who flew to Kigali to take up Rwandan national team drafting.

Oserian’s best chance fell to replacement Tyrus Ojuki, five minutes after coming on in the 61st. He approached the box from the left and with clear space he could only direct his left foot shot to the side netting.

Leopards were still very dangerous and confident on the ball and the question was why they only had a 1-0 lead. And Coach Jan Koops had the luxury of having such class players as Oscar Kadenge, Francis Chinjili, Victor Ochieng’ and Baraza, before he came on in the 61st minute.

Koops had a calm view of his team’s performance from the bench and the bringing on of Baraza -- for midfielder Charles Okwemba -- into the attack with Wanga and Bageya was perhaps just to show that Leopards could shift a gear up if they so wished.

Indeed, and Baraza’s goal was a beauty.

From 40 metres out on the left, the Bageya timed it perfectly to put the ball into the box for Baraza who was left to merely side-step the on rushing ‘keeper Obong’o and then drive with his sure left into an empty net.

TEAMS:

AFC LEOPARDS - 1. Patrick Matasi: 5. Edwin Baraza Wafula, 3. Abbassi Kiwalabye, 4. Martin Imbalambala (captain), 14. Amon Muchiri, 22. Bernard Mang’oli, 10. Charles Okwemba (11. Mike Baraza, 61’), 18. Salim Khamis, 40. Eric Masika, 50. Jimmy Bageya, 9. Allan Wanga Reserves - 19. Barnabas Tiema, Gk; 26. Robert Syongoh, 15. Francis Chinjili, 34. Victor Ochieng’, 7. Oscar Kadenge, 20. Shaban Ramadhan

Scorers - 9. Allan Wanga (22’), 11. Mike Baraza (77’)

Coach - Jan Koops [The Netherlands]

* * * *

Referee - Davies Omweno Assistant ref - David Otiang’a Asst ref - Mike Mwangi

Reserve ref - Damaris Kimani Match Commissioner - Aloise Odhiambo

More of the Nation:

Fred Maingi of Supersport reports:-

A goal in each half by Allan Wanga and Mike Barasa sent AFC Leopards to the top of the Kenya Premier League with seven points after crushing Oserian FC 2-0 at Nyayo National Stadium.

It is the first time that Leopards have been top of the league standings since making a comeback to the top flight in 2009.

Wanga opened the floodgates on 21st minute when he headed brilliantly a freekick taken by Charles Okwemba to send the home team fans wild on the terraces.

Barasa who came in as a second half substitute for Okwemba scored his first goal of the season on 84 minutes after being put through by Jimmy Bageya.

A serious injury suffered by defender Abbas Kiwalabye was the only blot in an otherwise perfect day for Leopards. He suffered a serious cut in his leg that required several stitches and will be out of action for several weeks.

Oserian however left with their heads held high after impressing with their display. They could have reduced the arrears in the dying minutes through John Kabui and Gordon Okoth who both saw efforts go narrowly wide



Dennis Machio of MichezoAfrika wrote:-

AFC Leopards on Saturday evening pulled themselves to the top of the KPL log after a well deserved 2-0 win over new comers Oserian FC at Nyayo stadium. Strikers Allan Wanga and substitute Mike Barasa scored in each half to give the Leopard the fancied win that also ensured Matasi holds a clean sheet with three matches played.

After the match, AFC advantaged by a superior goal difference toppled Sofapaka who earlier on Saturday afternoon dismissed Sony Sugar 1-0 in Kisii at the Gusii stadium. Both teams are on seven points.

This was Allan Wanga’s first goal for AFC Leopards though he contributed to last week’s win over Mathare United with an assist to Bageya’s goal. Wanga was named man of the match after being a true menace to the Oserian defense line throughout the match.

Wanga headed in Leopards’ first goal from close range in the 21st minute after Oserian keeper Enoch Obong’o missed an aerial drive by Salim Khamis Kinje.
“This is a good thing. Am happy to start scoring as early as in my second match. We played well though we lost a couple of chances but all in all we are home with three points, that is the important thing.” Wanga Said after the match.

It was a tale of numerous missed chances for AFC who maintained pressure against Oserian, hungry for more goals but lack of precision frequently cost their finishing though they went to the break a goal up.

Substitute Mike Barasa came off the bench to seal the day for the Ingwe family in the 75th minute, following a pass from Jimmy Bageya.

Abbas Kiwalabye had numerous open overlaps to the front in the final minutes of the match but Oserian Keeper twice stood strong to deny him glory.

After the match AFC Leopards coach Jans Koops said the win motivates their performance as they charge themselves up towards lifting the squad.

“We are now happy to be at the top. They played really well, we could have scored more goals but we are satisfied with the two goals we got today.” He said after the match

The Standard also had Wanga's photo. 

Dennis Masinde Wandabwa of Futaa reports

It might have taken a while, but finally, AFC Leopards are top of the Kenyan Premier League.

Ingwe saw off the challenge of Oserian 2-0 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Saturday 25 February 2012.

Allan Wanga and Mike Baraza were on target for Leopards as they usurped Sofapaka to take over the league leadership. Sofapaka had earlier beat SoNy Sugar 1-0 in Kisii.

Wanga opened the scoring after 21 minutes, heading in from close range after Oserian goalkeeper Enoch Obong'o came off his line and failed to make any contact on the ball, allowing the striker a free header.

Leopards dominated the entire first half with Wanga and fellow striker Jimmy Bageya imposing themselves on a shell shocked Oserian.

Wanga should have scored earlier on, missing a good opportunity after being played in by Charles Okwemba, but he would make no mistake when Salim Kinje floated in a perfect free-kick.

The second half was also one way traffic with Wanga again guilty of missing guilt edged opportunities.

Oserian tried to get back in the game and gave Leopards some nervy moments, but the game was done, when Baraza, a substitute in place of Charles Okwemba slotted home after good wing play from Jimmy Bageya after 77 minutes.

Leopards saw off the last couple of minutes to maintain their clean sheet and go top of the table, on goal difference from Sofapaka.

Both sides have seven points, but Leopards have a superior goal difference, having not conceded a goal this season. SoNy Sugar are third with six points.

The Star wrote:-

Pre Match: Oserian (H)

Futaa's Dennis Wandabwa wrote:-

AFC Leopards will be odds on favourites to beat Oserian in Kenyan Premier League action this weekend.

Ingwe will be at the Nyayo national Stadium for a third time this season, when they host a good-looking Oserian outfit on Saturday 25 February 2012.

Having seen off the challenge of Mathare United 2-0 in their last league match, they will be under pressure to do even better against an unpredictable Oserian side.

Leopards will have a couple of national team Harambee Stars players in their ranks and should thus find Oserian easy pickings in front of their home fans.

Despite being beaten by SoNy Sugar in their last clash, the flower men gave a very good account of themselves and will be confident of pulling off an upset against Leopards.

Chemelil Sugar were the last visitors to Nyayo to play Leopards and they rolled away with a point after frustrating Leopards to good effect.

Leopards will have the luxury of a near fully fit squad and after their exploits against Mathare should really see off Oserian's challenge.

Rwanda defender Jonas Nahimana, away on international duty, will however miss out for Leopards.

Kick off: 1700 hrs

Venue: Nyayo National Stadium

The Nation wrote:-

 

The Star goofed on the opponent:-

In The Den: Week 7

·               End of Cat Fights.

The biggest news this week in the den was that the protagonists who have been fighting over the post of Chairman had agreed to a joint process of elections.

The letter from the Registrar addressed to Alex ole Magelo, JJ Bukachi, Julius Ochiel, Sammy Aina and Winston Kituyi stipulated as follows:-

RE: AFC LEOPARDS SPORTS CLUB   SOC/ 6031

This is in pursuance to a meeting held on 16^th February 2012 between yourselves, your representatives and this office.

At the said meeting, the following action plan was agreed upon as the way forward to resolve the wrangles that have persisted in your society.

1.             Immediate formation of a committee to oversee the harmonization of the two existing draft constitutions to a single document

2.             The following were appointed from each faction with the exception of Sammy Aina’s faction as members of the committee

(a)    Fredrick Lutta

(b)   Grace Khatasi

(c)    Moses Mukhwana

(d)   Joseph Bukachi (to act as secretary and coordinator of the committee)

3.             The committee has one week to harmonize the draft constitution and forward the same and its report to the Registrar by the 27^th of February 2012.

4.             A special general meeting to be convened for 4^th March 2012 for members to adopt/reject the amended constitution. At which meeting members of the Elections Board will also be appointed. The members register to be used at the SGM should be register as compiled by the Commissioner of Sports and the club in February 2011.

5.             Issuance of a notice for the Annual General Meeting scheduled for the 8^th of April 2012

6.             Open up registration of members for three weeks from 5^th March 2012 to 25^th March 2012

7.             Publication and inspection of the members register from 27^th March 2012 to 4^th April 2012.

8.             Elections to be conducted at the Annual General Meeting on 8^th of April 2012 to be presided over by Group 4 Security or Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission at a venue to be determined.

9.             Returns of the elections to be filed with the office of the Registrar.

       

In effect, the parties and the Registrar have adopted widely the Petition by the Club of Leopards Active & wise Supporters Trust (Claws Trust) who had in December 2011 proposed that the club holds an SGM first before having its AGM. The Trust had also proposed an Elections Board to be elected at the SGM and for members register to be complied before the elections at the AGM.

The clubs official website and the mainstream media both captured the effects of this letter.

The only departure from the Claws Trust petition was the timelines which have been squeezed together instead of being expanded. Claws trust had expected the elections to be held in June.

The contraction of the timelines will obviously portend some issues since the club is scheduled to have matches out of Nairobi on the weekend of the SGM and on the weekend of the AGM. Luckily the weekend of the SGM only has a short trip to Nakuru for the fans who are also members of our beloved team. The weekend of the AGM has a longer trip to Mumias.

It is however encouraging to see that the club has embraced the spirit of fairness which includes getting persons from outside such as G4S or IEBC to oversee the elections. Further, having an all inclusive board to make amendments to the constitution (hopefully, minimal amendments since the problem has been lack of constitutionalism more than anything else) means that the process is not exclusivist.

This is significant news that hasn’t been given as much coverage by the despairing Leopards faithful who seem to have decided to give the club politics a break and concentrate on the performance of the first team in the ongoing Premier League.   - FN

·               ITC

There was a dark cloud hanging over the Leopards last week and that was the ITC. Everyone mentioned the ITC and for a moment we didn’t even know what it meant. Ingwe Travelling Club? Well, no. It was the International Transfer Certificate. That was the document that was the reason Allan Wanga, Leopards number 9 didn’t play in the first match against Chemelil.

Thankfully, this was sorted out and the news was received with jubilation by Leopards fans in Week 7 as Wanga got the all clear to feature against Mathare United. - VB

·               Crazy Computers.

They say the Premier League table is put together by computers. Ha ha ha. This year’s Premier League fixture is a curve with the first team the Leopards meets being the last team they also play. The second team they play is the second last team they also play, the third team they play is the third last team they will also play. You get the drift? What a lazy and predictable thing to do! Let's fire the computers! - EM

Post Match: Mathare (A)

Mathare United went down 0-2 to AFC Leopards at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday. A summary of the media reports complete with the links to the reports follows below:-

MichezoAfrika was the first to hit the airwaves with the report:-

AFC Leopards beat Mathare United 2-0 in an action packed and thrilling match at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday afternoon. This was AFC Leopard's first win this season and puts them on four points while Mathare United has now lost two of their opening matches.

The match provided  a chance for internationals Allan Wanga(AFC Leopard) and Jamal Mohammed (Mathare United) to prove their pedigree after returning back to the local league from professional stints abroad.

Jimmy Bageya justified his start putting Leopards in the lead in the 30th minute when he capitalized on a goalkeeping blunder from keeper Joseph Rutto to notch in the opener. Rutto mistimed a cross from the right losing the grip on it and Bageya banging the ball home.

The goal was always coming as Leopards had taken control of the early exchanges with Bernard Mang’oli outwitting Jamal Mohammed in the midfield power tussle.

Allan Wanga making his league debut for Ingwe was a constant threat in the Mathare backline causing all sorts of problems to Lloyd Wahome.

AFC Leopards led by a single goal as the teams went for the half time break with Mathare failing to keep the powered attack at tubs.

Two minutes after the breather, Leopards launched an attack spear headed by new signing Allan Wanga. The former Sofapaka man went on a wide run on the right before cutting in a cross that was tapped in by a well-positioned Bernard.
Jamal Mohammed, seeming not to be getting the rhythm in his new club was subbed and his place taken by former Tusker man Antony Khadudu.

Leopards top talisman Mike Barasa was also introduced 15 minutes from the end of the match subbing impressive man of the match Jimmy Bageya. Barasa had been sidelined to the bench for the first time in the league since making a switch from Ulinzi Stars in June last year.

Jesse Were came in for Andrew Tololwa, and the striker perhaps had the best chance to draw a goal back for his team, but he sent the ball screaming over the bar with only keeper Matasi to beat after some good work from Daniel Mwaura on the right.

Mathare have now succumbed to their second successive defeat after going down 1-3 to Sony last weekend.

Futaa had this report by Wilson Mathu:-

Mathare United yet again failed to get any point this season when they lost their second match 2-0 in the hands of AFC Leopards at the Nyayo National stadium. The Slum Boys failed to trounce Ingwe despite having Kenyan International Jamal Mohammed at the heart of their midfield and 2008 golden boot winner Francis Ouma in their attack.

Ingwe appeared the better side from the onset making several positive moves but failed to convert them. The possession was however rather balanced as the match progressed.

Ugandan import Jimmy Bageya opened the accounts for Ingwe in the 30^th minute after capitalizing on a Joseph Ruto spill over after a counter attack. The second half was action packed as thousands of fans most of them Ingwe supporters cheered on the teams. The Slum Boys however conceded the second only two minutes after the restart when Benard Mang'oli connected perfectly with an Allan Wanga cross to slot in from close range.

That seemed to have dampened the Mathare mood for sometime as they lost control of the midfield. Jamal Mohammed was substituted moments later for Anthony Khadudu. Mathare later started fighting back but it proved a little too late as Ingwe defended well and the entry on Mike Baraza for Ingwe pushed back into their own defence.

The second consecutive game leaves AFC Leopards same in points with Sofapaka and sharing the second slot behind SoNy who have won both their matches so far. Mathare have no points after losing both of their two opening matches.

Brainless Bull had this analysis. 

Nation had a story and a pic for the second week running:-

KPL website had this report:-

Jimmy Bagaye, a man who enjoys speedy running and a no-holds-barred engagement had early satisfaction after scoring for Leopards in the 32nd minute; a powerful slam when the ball fell well for him against a hesitant Mathare United defence.

Leopards were firmly on the driving seat just two minutes after the change of ends, Benard Mang’oli tapping home an Allan Wanga cross.

This season Leopards signed players with the promise of making a formidable team. Even if they did not have a terrific start -- drew 0-0 with Chemelil last week -- supporters saw the promise of a winning side once it caught rhythm.

A decent crowd featured dignitaries including former Trade and Industry Minister Mukhisa Kituyi, Ikolomani Member of Parliament Bonny Khalwale and Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa.

Leopards were too formidable a side for Mathare United that was hoping for a change of fortune from a previous weekend defeat at Sony. They tried to cope and in particular, Jesse Were should have scored in the 87th minute when he shot just wide with Leopards ‘keeper Patrick Matasi well beaten.

Two minutes later, it was Francis Ouma who headed on to the cross bar a Daniel Mwaura corner as United laid on a closing stage siege on Leopards goalmouth. Leopards’ Jan Koops said the victory was a boost to the morale of his team but warned them not to get carried away since the season was just starting.

TEAMS:-

AFC LEOPARDS - 1. Patrick Matasi: 5. Edwin Baraza, 3. Abbassi Kiwalabye, 40. Eric Masika, 17. Jonas Nahimana, 4. Martin Imbalambala (captain), 18. Salim Khamis, 10. Charles Okwemba, 9. Allan Wanga, 50. Jimmy Bagaye, 22. Bernard Mang’oli Reserves - 19. Barnabas Tiema, Gk; 26. Robert Syongoh, 14. Amon Muchiri, 11. Mike Baraza, 34. Victor Ochieng’, 8. Laurent Tumba, 7. Oscar Kadenge

Scorers - 50. Jimmy Bagaye (32’), 22. Bernard Mang’oli (47’)

Coach - Jan Koops [The Netherlands]

MATHARE UNITED - 1. Joseph Ruto: 13. Athman Buki, 21. Kevin Omondi, 17. Lloyd Wahome, 15. Anthony Kimani (captain), 4. Dennis Nzomo, 10. Daniel Mwaura, 12. Tirus Omondi, 24. Francis Ouma2. Jamal Mohammed, 29. Andrew Tololwa Reserves - 22. Robert Mboya, Gk; 30. Anthony Khadudu, 7. Vincent Okello, 27. Gabriel Nduru, 11. Innocent Mutiso, 25. Jesse Were, 14. Paul Ochieng’

Coach - Gabriel “Kingi” Njoroge

Referee - Anthony Ongwayo

Assistant ref - Brasan Mamati

Asst ref - Caroline Kiles

Reserve ref - Edward Lumbugu

Match commissioner - Zach Wadeyi

League Table 

 

Pre Match: Mathare (A)

In this pre-match feed, we note the efforts of Collins Okinyo writing for Supersport.

Mathare United vs AFC Leopards (Live on SuperSport 9EAST Nyayo Stadium)

This will be definately be the match of the weekend as both sides will be fighting tooth and nail to get a win.Mathare United under coach Gabriel "Kingi"Njoroge are under immense pressure having conceded 3 goal at Sony starting their league campaign on a losing note. 

On the other hand AFC Leopards had a lacklustre performance against Chemelil despite being the team with the most expensively assembled side after the pre-season buys.However it will be an interesting match both sides will be fighting out to be on top of the other. 

Mathare United will be looking up to to Francis Ouma who scored the lone goal against Sony to give them the head start as Leopards will be banking on Oscar Kadenge and Victor Ochieng for the goals. 

Collins' Prediction: AFC Leopards 2 Mathare 1

Futaa's Rodgers Eshitemi has this preview:-

It’s definitely a match to watch as Mathare United and AFC Leopards revive their rivalry in the eagerly awaited Kenyan Premier League tie, on Sunday 19 February at Nyayo National Stadium, starting 1600hrs, just after Sofapaka-KCB encounter.

Their rivalry dates back in 2000, when the Slum Boys slammed Ingwe 2-1 to lift the Moi Golden Cup before Leopards revenged the following year, stunning them 2-0 in the finals to clinch the same Cup.


Though Mathare struggled to escape relegation last season, they really gave AFC a run for their money, winning one of their two meetings; Mathare-AFC 1-0, 2-2.

But having registered unpleasant results in their 2012 KPL season-openers, with Mathare charges faltering 3-1 to SoNy Sugar as Chemelil Sugar held fancied AFC to a barren draw; both teams are craving for victory.


AFC is under pressure from their fans to deliver but with the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) reprieve for Allan Wanga, they’re confident of the three points.

On the other hand, Jamal Malo Malo Mohammed, who also missed the first encounter due to ITC issues, is expected to boost Mathare after the exit of playmaker Kevin Kimani.

Ten Years Ago

Stories by EM writing for the defunct afcleopards.com, Tuesday May 21, 2002

PRE-MATCH: 

Something special is being served up this Wednesday. Mathare United make their long awaited visit to Nyayo National Stadium to take on Moi Golden Cup Champions AFC Leopards in the first leg clash of the Premier League Zone B.

On the pitch, it is simply a clash between the Zone's number three team and the number five team.

Off the pitch, it is a clash of two of Kenya's most proud teams. It is a clash of the Zone's most supported team and the Zone's most organized team.

Mathare United have six players in the national team Harambee Stars, Leopards have none.

United have three official sponsors in Ng'ombe, Safaricom and Kapa Refineries, Leopards have none.

The two teams have met in the last two Moi Golden Cup finals and split the honours with Mathare taking the first at Moi International Sports Centre before relinquishing the crown to Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium.

Both teams were knocked out of continental championships this year in the first round. In fact, their first meeting was scheduled for 16 March but was postponed at the request of both teams who had just been knocked out of Africa the previous weekend.

The re-arranged fixture fell on April 20 but was rained off with the teams tied one all. Mathare had drawn the first blood before Bernard Makuto levelled.

The rivalry was however evident in the last fixture and as Daily Nation columnist Chris Tsuma put it: So intense is the rivalry between the two teams that it now appears Leopards would rather lose to any other team but not Mathare, a welcome development because it is the kind of passion and fierce rivalry that local football needs. (Saturday Nation, April 27, 2002)

Considering Leopards lost their last game to that 'other team' Kenya Pipeline, it is evident the players do not wish to see a successive loss.

Mathare United have had a great season, their loss to Pipeline and league leaders Nzoia Sugar aside.

Their roster of players includes exciting Titus Mulama, who was the man of the match in the sensational 5-0 win of Harambee Stars away to Tanzania over the weekend. He scored the fifth goal after hitting the woodwork moments before.

Dennis Oliech, their prodigy who has amazed with his form, is unlikely to play having been bereaved following the death of elder brother Steve Okumu Oliech, a former Leopards player who passed away in the United States last week.

Franklin Shelimba and Sunday Odhiambo are free goal scoring machines. Other players in the impressive Mat U line up include Salim Ali, Paul Ambembo, Alfred Chege, Jafar Gichuki, Wycliffe Juma, Enos Karani, John Kureshi, Francis Kimanzi, John Kilonzo, George Midenyo, Jamal Mohamed, Alex Mwangi, Frederick Nadulli, Asman Ngaiywa, Duncan Ochieng, Walter Odede, Robert Ogada, Philip Opiyo, Arnold Origi, Adam Shaban and David Waithaka.

With an incredible youth system (Mathare Youth Sports Association), United have the most formidable feeder route. It is no wonder maverick Chairman Bob Munro who attends most matches was recently during the Shabana funds drive 'advising' clubs like Leopards to forget harambees and concentrate on better fund rainsing techniques. Like Mathare.

It promises to be a mouth watering clash and referee Maxim Itur will be presiding just as he did on April 20.

Fans will hold their breath and hope the natural forces behave. And Organising Secretary aspirant Khalid Njiraini has promised Kshs. 10,000 to Leopards for each goal scored by Leopards.

It is upon the players to make him pay! The strike force was blunt against Pipeline but Brian Ombiji, Dennis Ochieng, Justus Basweti, Bernard Makuto, Asman Akwana and Vincent Agevi can grace any national team and make it six for Leopards too.

And as the last match before the elections, fans will need to take a look at the following Mathare United list of Officials as they gear to make their own decisions.

Honorary Chairman: Kipchoge Keino

Chairman (Executive): Bob Munro

Secretary/Legal Adviser: Macharia Njeru

Treasurer: John Githongo

Assistant Treasurer: David Itiru

Corporate Affairs: Kibuga Kariithi

Fitness & Education: Dr. Shah

Medical Adviser: Silver Fayo

Players Welfare: Ingrid Munro

Supporters Relations: David Waithaka

Technical Adviser: Dr. Joe JJ Masiga

Youth Development: Francis Kimani

POST MATCH:

Flair versus Pride. Picture of the Future versus Blast from the Past. Moi Golden Champions versus Talented Challengers. The players and teams everyone wanted to have for a distraction during the busy World Cup season.

Yet there they were Mathare United and AFC Leopards slugging it out for the Madaraka Day Cup cum return leg Premier League clash at the Nairobi City Stadium. Fans turned out in their thousands to witness the unfolding of the derby match that had a Saturday Nation newspaper soccer pundit Hezekiah Wepukhulu  dubbing it the decider of the Best of Five series. In the past four clashes between them, the clubs had each won twice.

Based on the rivalry between the teams, in our pre-match analysis on Friday, we predicted ferocious Leopards. We did not intend to mean the fans. But in the end, it was the fans that played a crucial part in the game leading to its abandonment in the penultimate stages.

As is customary with games against Mat United, the nerves were frail right from the start. Leopards were pinned in their own half by a polished Mathare side and were made to pay by dangerman Dennis Oliech who netted the opener in a quick and flowing counter attack.

Mathare fans derided Leopards fans with chants of ‘AFC!AFC! AFC!’ as they celebrated the goal. Oliech had struck for the second match against the Leopards in a row having sealed Mathare’s win over Leopards on May 22 with a second goal. Leopards, who did not expect Oliech to play as he was bereaved, were disjointed in their play leading to frustration amongst their fans who easily outnumbered the home fans of United. The United fans however outsang the Leopards fans with the rendition of ‘Mathare Wanisumbua’ parody of the John Amutabi Nzenze ‘Rebecca Wanisumbua’ track.

However all this changed in the second half when three substitutes were brought in and delighted the leopards crowd with their crisp passing. The leopards fans found their song again and the isukuti beats reigned supreme.

An equalizer did not seem far. Then Dennis Oliech turned from hero to villain when he was sent off by the referee. Oliech had gone down in what looked like a challenge but to his horror, the referee gave him marching orders for dissent. Oliech left the pitch in tears, as Leopards fans pointed out that his tears were the sign of mourning his recently departed brother and former Leopards striker Steve Okumu.

Leopards did not take long in playing against ten men.  A crunch tackle by Leopards defender Vincent Agevi was harshly punished with a red card to draw the teams at ten men. It was an eerie resemblance of the previous clash on May 22 when two penalties were awarded to the teams.

As Leopards poured at the Mathare goalmouth, the isukuti drums roured alive as did expectations. Thye referee did not endear himself to the crowd when Brian Ombiji went down in the D and the leopards fans rose to their feet with the word PENALTY on their lips. It was not a penalty.

The linesman on the so called ‘Russia’ side of the stadium suddenly found himself under a hail of stones. He was badly cut on the back of the head and required stitches on the pitch as Ombiji was also attended to.

Play was stopped for almost fifteen minutes as the referee sought reinforcement of police officers on the side of the unruly and shameful fans.

When play resumed, Leopards piled on the pressure and snatched what looked like an equalizer to send the Leopards fans into a frenzy of celebration.

This was halted as the referee changed him mind after pointing to the centre spot and raised his hand to signal that it was no goal. The linesman flag stood raised. If the Leopards match against Mathare on April 20th had been abandoned on account of rain, this one was abandoned on account of hail stones as a hail of stones suddenly rained on the pitch forcing the Police to fire teargas into the crowd. Perhaps all the fans could also now mourn the departed Leopards striker too.

The shame of it all was that this was a match meant to celebrate a public holiday, Madaraka Day, when the country gained its self rule. A glittering trophy on the dais was covered in tear gas. Apart from the trophy, it was really a match the Leopards only had pride to play for.

With a new office in place, perhaps one of the first things that they have to deal with is the control of the so called fans. They had also abandoned the match against Kisima Bombers earlier in the season. The new officials in attendance were the Chairman Samuel Angote, secretary general Stephen Mutoro and Organizing Secretary Khalid Njiraini.

Leopards Line Up: Alfred Oliech, Charles Achiya, Tom Oloo, Vincent Agevi, Asman Akwana, Francis Xavier, Charles Okwemba*, Brian Ombiji, Peter Akhalumi*, Bernard Makuto*, George Maina.

* Substituted. Subs used: Jackson Omondi, Dennis Ochieng

UPDATES:

It was a goal! We were not sure as we left the ground due to the fact that in our excitement of an impending equalizer, we had all jumped up in celebration even before Francis Xavier introduced his head to the great ball from Jackson Omondi and it shook the Mathare United goal.

But when we looked at the replays on Nation TV and KTN Sports, any doubts that it may have been an offside were quashed. And we hope that the referee also looked at the replays and knew he was to live forever in shame.

The linesman Samuel Muhindi who was next to the Mathare United bench robbed us. Look at it this way, it was a lackadaisical refereeing that led to the dissatisfaction among the fans and which ultimately and predictably ignited the chaos.

We hold the view that whatever injustice is committed by match officials; it still does not give fans a reason to react the way they did. Speaking to afcleopards.com, Harun Ongoma was quick to point out that one and a half weeks ago, Mathare beat AFC but no violence was reported. ‘It was due to the fact that the refereeing that day by Maxim Itur was superb. Todays’s was terrible!!!’

This time around, referee Ogolla Nyangweso warranted some criticism for many questionable decisions. He sent off Vincent Agevi for seemingly no reason other than to appease the Mathare bench since he had also sent off Dennis Oliech.

He missed a penalty call on Brian Ombiji’s tackle by the Mathare defender who didn’t get the ball at all. In fact, the fans blamed the other linesman Thomas Otieno and one sharpshooter actually ‘voiced ‘ his disapproval with an accurate stone leading to the stoppage of the match and bandaging of the match official on his head.

It wasn’t expecting too much for the other linesman to keep his head clear and not make an offside call on the equalizer just because he was next the Mathare bench that cried: OFF! It is time the Kenya Football Referees Association  played a major role as it used to in the training, examining, appointment and vetting of match officials.

Incidentally, the Standard on Sunday quoted the referee as stating that he called off the match after both teams failed to restart the game. The role of the police was also wanting. They lobbed teargas outside the stadium immediately fan trouble was noted. A stampede also almost ensued as police on horseback charged at the fans.

Finally, what will we ever do with Denis Oliech? He is like the new Paul Onyera always scoring against the Leopards. We can only pray that he gets red carded in each game against us.

MORE UPDATES:

Daily Nation Friday June 21, 2002

AFC Leopards has moved to court contesting a decision to award an abandoned Premier League match to rival Mathare United. The club’s lawyer Eric Mutua lodged papers yesterday asking the court to quach the decision of the Kenya National Sports council. Mutua was asked by duty Judge Andrew Hayanga to present his arguments this morning. He wants to High Court to order a replay or declare the match a 1-1 draw.

TEN YEARS LATER