The Images

Admit it. Go on. Just admit it. You have enjoyed this season so far. Even if you are not Abraham, you have sounded cocky, asking people, “How many goals did we win by?” instead of asking, “What was the score?”

Your memory bank is teeming with images that will never be erased.

The image of Patrick Matasi, cool as a bomb disposal expert, using his hands and feet to stop not one, but two penalties in the same match. He could have saved a third with his head, but it was just not awarded to Ulinzi.

The image of your despairing fellow fan as we conceded a corner; quickly turned into ecstasy and planting of kisses on strangers of the opposite sex as Mike Baraza scores a delicious goal past the keeper, not once, but against Oserian and Thika Utd. 

“Another Flawless Counter!” you could easily have shouted but instead you chose to scream the abbreviation.

The image of Jonas Nahimana; the guy is admittedly a looker; but he slots in not one, but two penalties, without even looking up. He stores the image of the goal in his head and just plants the ball as he did against Ulinzi and then against Stima.

The image of Allan Wanga, smashing the ball, not once or even twice, but thrice, with a shot that Kenya Power have been studying keenly in the face of frequent black-outs, to find out if that shot can be an alternative source of power. 

And don’t get me started on the dance that he has bequeathed our doting eyes!

The image of Jimmy Bageya, dancing when we have scored and even before we score. He picks the ball, flicks his leg over the ball, his leg caresses the ball, and the ball just closes its eyes telling him, “Would you do that again?” And he does another step-over and sends another ball into the D. The next thing you know, the ball has been put to bed in the net.

That is why he is the King of Assists for this season.

The image of Victor Ochieng, diminutive but the reason why they say dynamite comes in small packages. He scored an impossible goal against Muhoroni that had many fans booking appointments with ophthalmologists and opticians the following day! How did he do that? He did what was mathematically impossible; with some people thinking he had hit the side netting whilst others were left asking: What? How? Where? Which? Who?

The image of Bernard Mangoli one of the few guys we know on the Planet who can thread the ball through the eye of a needle as he sends the ball into a position that makes you woinder whether he has one set of eyes or a dozen. He bosses the midfield like a colossus and the way he takes corners, he could make one great Formula 1 driver. And to drive the point home, he is the only player to score for Leopards each season for the last three seasons.

The image of the indefatigable Charles Okwemba doing what most players don’t do in addition to delivering balls with bouquet of flowers, to the box. Against Oserian, he was tackled not once but twice before he went down after the opposing player finally scythed him. But that extra metre he gained as he was on his feet refusing to go down easily, was key as from a pinpoint free kick delivered by Kinje, Allan Wanga opened his goal account with the Leopards.

The image of Salim Kinje, like above, leaving destruction like a tsunami with the way he whips in his free kicks. His determination showed against Thika Utd as we stored the image of him withstanding an injury and pain. They way he soldiered on bravely paid off and he even took part in the salute as we scored our second.

The image of Robert Syongo, not hogging the limelight or the headlines, when in truth, we should be cutting down the whole of Mau Forest to print newspapers with his name in the headline as an unsung hero who is a joy to watch as he imitates Leopards of old who were wing backs. His pass to Ochieng that led to the Baraza goal against KCB was worth each bob you could paid.

The image of Edwin Wafula with his telegraphic mind. He reads the opponents move towards our goal so well you would think he crammed it in a nursery rhyme and then he counters those moves with such precise clearances you wonder why they didn’t take him in a Clearance and Forwarding Firm.

The image of Martin Imbalambala, wearing the “C” on his arm band and then approaching a ball that needs to be thrown back in. He throws the ball so far, you could excuse him if he misses some fixtures in the summer as he could represent the country in the shot put at the London Olympics. Calm, composed, calculated… you can roll out a lot of words that symbolize the ‘C’ he wears on his armband and you will still find he is the engine of our success as the captain.

There are of course other images that have been etched in our collective psyche and which for lack of space I haven’t been able to mention. I appreciate all Leopards players even those not featured here and who are without a doubt part of this winning team. But the season is one third gone, and we have another two thirds to see for ourselves more and probably better images. Because we are Leopards, and our vision is reportedly six times better than those of humans.

So now you admit it, right?

Post Match: Thika Utd (A)

AFC Leopards SC cemented their lead at the top of the Premier league table at the one-third stage by beating Thika United 2-1 in Thika.

So how did the press cover the major migration? Here is a full round up.

The Feverpitch team at the Standard wrote:- 

AFC Leopards continued with their march towards the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title after stopping Thika United 2-1 away, on Saturday. 

The win also stretched Leopards’ unbeaten run to a new record of 23 matches. Victor Ochieng’ put Leopards ahead in the 20th minute when he rose above Thika defenders to nod home Bernard Mangoli’s header.

But a defensive lapse allowed Moses Arita to level for Thika United eight minutes later. Veteran striker Mike Barasa made it two for Leopards in spectaclar style in the 32nd minute, scoring from a counter-attack started by Jimmy Bagaye. 

The goal came as Thika were making efforts to go ahead and had won a corner, which, unfortunately, fell on Bagaye and he made a 60m run to feed Baraza, who simply tapped home. Thika were unlucky not to get at least a goal in a second half, which they dominated. 

Francis Kahata’s low ground shot in the 48th minute was too close for Patrick Matasi in goal. But the miss of the half will surely go to Kepha Aswani. 

He found himself unmarked inside the Leopards defence but shot wide even as his markers were expecting an off-side call. 

Then Matasi was forced to stretched wide to keep out Aswani’s goal bound shot. Victor Ochieng was close for Leopards as the second half wore on. 

Thika United coach John Irungu said afterwards: "I want to praise my players for showing a positive mentality today. They were superb but we just wasted our chances. In football it is all about taking your chances." 

Leopards coach Jaan Koops said it will be difficult to beat the club in future. 

Dennis Masinde Wandabwa of Futaa also focuses on the unbeaten run:-

AFC Leopards made it 23 consecutive games unbeaten (ten in 2012) in Kenyan Premier League action by beating Thika United 2-1 in a tough Kenyan Premier League encounter played at the Thika Municipal Stadium, Saturday 14 April 2012.

Victor Ochieng and Mike Barasa scored the goals for Leopards, with Moses Arita on the mark for the home side, all in the first half of play.

Ochieng opened the scoring after 20 minutes, heading home from close range unnatended to, from Salim Kinje's well flighted corner.

Leopards upped the ante and had some good touches, with Mike Barasa going close, but to no avail.

Thika had looked threatening on some occasions and the manner in which they scored showed it; Arita and Francis Kahata combining very well to slice the Leopards defence open and allow the former an easy finish, to make it 1-1 nine minutes later.

With the goal on their side, the home team put pressure on the league leaders, in the event collecting two corners, the second of which would be fatal to them.  

Off the second corner, Jimmy Bageya picked up the ball deep in the Leopards half and strode the full length of the pitch, before setting up Baraza for an easy finish to give Ingwe the lead once again, three minutes later.

The second half was largely dominated by Thika, with Leopards sitting deep and preferring to attack on the break.

Francis Kahata and Clifton Miheso, were especially dangerous, with Harambee Stars defender Dennis Odhiambo running the show from out wide.

Thika's best chance of the half fell to Arita, who was wasteful when played clean through by a delightful chipped ball from Odhiambo, lobbing over the bar with space and time on his side and keeper Patrick Matasi stranded.

That was the last that Thika would do, as Leopards, who brought on Amon Muchiri for Bageya in the last few minutes, defended with ease.

Leopards thus held on to the end, to improve on their unbeaten run and extend their lead at the top of the KPL table to six points over Sofapaka, who play Gor Mahia, Sunday 15 April 2012.

James Wokabi of Supersport writes this one:-

AFC Leopards increased their lead at the summit to six points following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Thika United on Saturday. 

Goals by Victor Ochieng and Mike Barasa gave Leopards all three points moving them to 26 points after ten matches, six ahead of Sofapaka albeit having played a game more. The win also ensured that Ingwe preserved their unbeaten run in the league

They were however made to work for the victory as their hosts gave as good as they got forcing the visitor into resolute rearguard action for most of the second half in an entertaining encounter at Thika Municipal Stadium. 

Leopards were forced to make one change as Allan Wanga was ruled out due to an ankle injury with Barasa getting the nod while Thika welcomed back Moses Arita from injury.

The home boys dominated the opening exchanges but found themselves a goal down on 21 minutes when Ochieng rose highest to powerfully head home a Bernard Man’goli corner past Thika keeper Lucas Indeche. 

Thika should have equalised on 27 minutes when Dennis Odhiamo head a Kahata corner back across goal but Kepha Aswani ballooned the ball from six yards. 

They got the goal two minutes later when Kahata capitalised on an Eric Masika mistake setting up , Moses Arita whose smart finish went in off the post. 

Leopards regained the lead in style on 33 minutes when Jimmy Bageya led a lighting counter attack running 50 yards with the ball before slipping in Barasa who coolly chipped Indeche to make it 2-1. 

Thika wasted gilt edged chance on the stroke of halftime, when Simon Mbugua was put through by a deft Aswani flick but he was unable to beat keeper Patrick Matasi who made a low save. 

The second half was one way traffic as Thika sought an equaliser with Kahata flashing a shot wide after good link up with Cliftion Miheso. 

Kahata was seeing a lot of the ball and he forced Matasi to a fine low save on 62 minutes and from the resulting corner Glay Dirkir headed the ball over at the far post. 

Aswani was next on 69 minutes heading over an Odhiambo cross but Leopards held on to claim vital three points. 

“We are delighted with the win. It was a tough match and we had to defend for long periods but we were comfortable and in the last 15 minutes our goalkeeper played very well collecting all crosses and corner in our area,” said Leopards coach Jan Koops. 

“Football is a game of chances and we wasted so many chances while Leopards scored from a set piece and a counter attack and that is why we lost. But having said that I was happy with the way we played. The boys were able to hold their own despite the huge crowd,” said Thika coach John Kamau Irungu.

Charles Nyende of the Daily Nation or Sunday Nation, as it were, had this piece:-

League leaders AFC Leopards maintained their unbeaten run in the Kenyan Premier League with a hard fought 2-1 victory against tough Thika United at Thika Municipal Stadium.

Victor Ochieng gave Leopards the lead in the 20th minute that was cancelled by Moses Arita eight minutes later before goal-poacher Mike Baraza added the second in the 32nd minute.

The win extended Leopards lead on the league table to six points ahead of second placed Sofapaka - who face Gor Mahia today - while stretching their remarkable unbeaten run in the competition to 23 game.

The duel had built up into a battle of the emerging title contenders with Thika United, unbeaten in their last eight outings, loudly proclaiming they will break Leopards unbeaten run.

This may have been the catalyst that drew out the stubborn will to win for Leopards on this day.

“Thika came to the match talking about winning even before we had played. We knew what we had to do and were only afraid of the poor pitch,” Leopards captain Martin Imbalabala said after the match.

The scripts almost played out according to Thika, as they took the game to Leopards controlling the midfield and creating the early chances on a deplorable playing surface.

But against the run of play Leopards opened the scoring. Ochieng, unmarked on the edge of the box, met Bernard Mangoli’s corner to emphatically head home.

No sooner had the sea of blue on the Thika stands gone into rapture than the home side silenced them, Arita taking advantage of a mix-up in the Leopards defence to send the ball beyond Patrick Matasi.

Clearly on the ascend with the impressive Francis Kahata pulling the strings in midfield, Thika were then caught out by a devastating Leopards counter attack.

Jimmy Bageya picked the ball from his area following a fruitless corner kick by the home side to sprint half the length of the pitch before feeding the ball to the supporting Baraza for a cool finish.

The rest of the match was all Thika with Leopards resolutely defending.

Timothy Olobulu of MichezoAfrika with one of the fastest articles filed on the day wrote:-

AFC Leopards extended their unbeaten run in the league after a 2-1 win over Thika United at the Thika Municipal Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Victor Ochieng and Mike Barasa scored for Ingwe as they ensured that they stay on top spot in the league.

In a fast paced match that both teams showed attacking intent, Leopards were the first to hit the back of the net through Victor Ochieng’ who headed in Bernard Mangoli’s corner. The Short Ochieng’ surprisingly rose over the entre Thika defense to head in the opener.

Leopards’ lead lasted only eight minutes as Moses Arita drew the match to parity after capitalizing on some defensive misfortune from Leopards to dig in a foot and draw Thika level to silence the Thika Municipal Stadium tha had been invaded by the Leopards fans.

Five minutes later, Mike Barasa restored Leopards lead when he fired past Lucas Indeche. A quick counter attack gifted Jimmy Bagaye who ran into the Thika half and served an unmarked Barasa inside the Thika box. The prolific scorer put the ball into his favorite left foot before firing past a helpless Indeche.

Thika piled the pressure on Leopards in the second half with Clifton Miheso, Francis Kahata and Moses Arita spearheading the attack.

Five minutes after the restart, Francis Kahata shot was saved for a corner after an interchange of passes with Miheso. Moses Arita had a golden chance in the 58th minute after he beat the offside trap, but his attempted lob alone in the box went over the bar.

Francis Kahata once again saw his shot saved by the impressive Matasi in AFC’s goal.

The Leopards front line’s work was reduced as no balls came frequently through their way with Koops opting for a more defensive midfield.

The win now sees Leopards stretch their lead at the top to 26 points. They are yet to lose a match in the league this far and are 23 matches unbeaten.

KPL website provided the Line Ups:-

ALL were good goals at Thika Municipal Stadium but Victor Ochieng’ and Mike Baraza’s emphasized AFC Leopards’ edge as they beat Thika United 2-1 to brush away the intervention of Moses Arita for the home side.

There was a great atmosphere of football -- defying a terribly poor pitch -- the most appreciative being a throng of Leopards’ supporters who had poured into town.

TEAMS:

THIKA UNITED - 22. Lucas Indeche; 31. Simon Mbugua, 15. Dennis Odhiambo, 35. Dirkir Glay, 12. Vincent Nyaberi (captain), 13. Joseph Kuria, 26. Michael Alubisi Luvutsi, 9. Moses Arita, 32. Clifton Miheso, 19. Kepha Aswani, 40. Francis Kahata

Reserves - 1. Joel Bataro, Gk; 29. Frederick Chitai, 6. Michael Bodo, 33. Geoffrey Nairuka, 24. Fahim Mohammed, 25. David Bogere

Scorers - 9. Moses Arita (29’)

Coach - John Kamau Irungu

AFC LEOPARDS - 1. Patrick Matasi: 5. Edwin Wafula, 26. Robert Syongo, 40.Eric Masika, 17. Jonas Nahimana, 4. Martin Imbalambala (captain), 50. Jimmy Bageya (14. Amon Muchiri, 77’), 22. Bernard Mang’oli, 34. Victor Ochieng’, 18. Salim “Kinje” Ramadhan (7. Oscar Kadenge, 67’), 11. Mike Baraza

Reserves not used - 19. Barnabas Tiema, Gk; 6. Abraham Cokie, 8. Laurent Tumba, 15. Francis Chinjili, 2. Edward Seda

Scorers - 22. Victor Ochieng’ (20’), 11. Mike Baraza (32’)

Coach - Jan Koops [The Netherlands]

* * * *

Referee - Sylvester Kirwa

Assistant ref - Aden Marwa

Asst ref - Elias Kuloba

Reserve ref - Moses Osano

Match commissioner - Samuel Omwoyo

So how does the League Table look like? 

Pre Match: Thika Utd (A)

The Leopards head to Thika to meet Thika United in the tenth round of the KPL matches. So, as we always do, here is a quick round up of what the media have been saying about this clash.

Collins Okinyo of Supersport.com writes:-

STAR MATCH: Thika United v AFC Leopards (Thika) *Live on SuperSport 9East*

This will definitely be the highlight fixture in what promising to be a pulsating weekend with hosts and fifth placed Thika United out to shatter Leopards extended unbeaten run of 22 matches. 

Thika coach John Kamau believes his side will top Ingwe even though top marksman Kepha Aswani with eight goals is doubtful for the match. 

The returning Moses Arita is expected to take the mantle and steer the striking force with the help of a solid back line marshalled by Harambee Stars regular Dennis Odhiambo. 

Leopards travel to the game without two of their regulars, top scorer Allan Wanga and custodian Patrick Matasi but they still possess fire power in the form of last season’s top marksman, Mike Baraza and Jimmy Bageya. 

Under Dutchman Jan Koops, Ingwe have mastered the art of grinding results and the away trip to Thika who have won three and drawn one of their last four presents them with a perfect opportunity to underline their title credentials. 

Predictions: 1-2

Wilson Mathu of Futaa speaks to the Thika United goalie and reports:-

Thika United goalkeeper Lucas Indeche has assured their weekend opponents AFC Leopards that their 90 minutes on the pitch will be well spent in the weekend encounter.

The custodian says that the Brookside Boys are determined to keep their upward trend and no team was assured of a walk in the park against them.

"The 90 minutes will decide the winner when we meet Leopards but I know that my colleague and I have prepared well for the encounter. It will not be an easy match but we are prepared for it. The team is in good form and I believe we will stretch the same into the match".

Thika United will face Ingwe at home on Saturday 14 March 2012 at the Thika Municipal Stadium. Both teams have been faring well this season with Thika placed fifth and Leopards placed first.

Charles Nyende of the Nation writes:-

By the end of the weekend, the league will have marked one third of its season and it may very well cement the mark of the genuine contenders looking at the match-ups over the next two days.

League leaders, and admittedly the form team of the moment, AFC Leopards face a difficult league outing away to a resurgent Thika United on Saturday.

Second-placed Sofapaka, also on a rich vein of form, face one of their sternest test against a wounded and dangerous Gor Mahia on Sunday at City Stadium.

But the main focus will obviously be on AFC Leopards be virtue of hogging the top spot for almost two months now and also remaining the only unbeaten team in the league.

Thika , unbeaten since losing their opening league match 2-0 to Gor Mahia, have been in belligerent mood telling however cares to listen how they will inflict Leopards’ first loss. Leopards amenable coach, Jan Koop, maintained his standard pre-match responses 

“I have a good team and we are playing well. Thika are a difficult side but we expect to get results there,” he said. The league leaders will be without international strike Allan Wanga and goalkeeper Patrick Matasi who are injured.

As a result Barnabas Tiema, no slouch in goal, gets a chance to test league action this season while Mike Baraza, Victor Ochieng and Jimmy Bageya look certain to lead a three-prong feared Leopards attack.

Thika United will feel confident of a toe-to-toe slug out with the league leaders and they have scoring machine Kepha Aswani as their trump card.

James Waindi of the Standard writes:-

Thika coach John Irungu has vowed to end AFC Leopards’ unbeaten run stretching to 22 league matches.

Irungu, who has managed to steer Thika to the fifth position in the league standings, goaded Leopards, saying Thika’s striker Kepha Aswani is better than international goal getter Allan Wanga ahead of their crucial Kenyan Premier League clash at the Thika Municipal Stadium on Saturday.

"Wanga is a good player but I believe we have better players at Thika. He has scored four goals this season for Leopards, while Aswani has seven from eight matches, I believe Aswani deserves to be in the national team as well," said Irungu.

He added: "We will not give Wanga or any Leopards’ star special attention, we have our own stars. In fact, at the moment, I am experiencing serious selection problems because everyone is fit and on form, so Leopards should come with a lot of caution."

Leopards, who have won the local title a record 13 (sic) times, have had one of their best starts to the season in more than a decade, enjoying a three point lead at the helm of the table and their Dutch coach Jan Koops is yet to lose a league match since taking over the team in August last year. Thika after a false start that saw them lose 2-0 to Gor Mahia at home on the first day of the league, have recovered and are currently placed fifth on 14 points, nine points behind leaders Leopards. 

Since they lost to Gor, they have not lost any match at home, drawing 2-2 against 2010 champions Ulinzi Stars, beating Sony Sugar 1-0 and drawing 0-0 with champions Tusker.

The Thika side has always been a hard nut to crack for Ingwe, beating Leopards 2-0 in the first leg of the season last year in Mumias, before Leopards were forced a narrow 2-1 win in Thika during the second leg and Irungu believes it is now pay back time.

"We respect Leopards because they have been in the league competition for many years, but we want the maximum points to close the gap on them. They will certainly be under pressure to maintain their unbeaten record and push it to 23 matches, but we will just play our game and take our chances," said Irungu.

He added: "What I can promise is that Leopards have to drop points in Thika on Saturday. We have also been boosted by the return of our key striker Moses Arita from a shoulder injury."

Allan Wanga misses the match today and as Dun Okinyo of the Star wrote, the Leopards have a strong bench.

THE AFC Leopards list of the injured received new names in top players Allan Wanga and Patrick Matasi. All this has come ahead of tomorrow’s Kenyan Premier League crunch match against Thika United in Thika. Goalkeeper Matasi broke his finger in the match against Rangers FC in Mumias last weekend while Wanga hurt his knee in training on the eve of the same match.

Despite the injury, played and scored the opening goal in the 6-2 drubbing of the Rangers before being substituted. “The injury is not that serious,” said team manager Bernard Onyango but refused to elaborate. 

“It was not his fault but he can’t play with this injury for at least two weeks,” Onyango said. Wanga, who has so far scored four goals in eight appearances this season was not at team’s training yesterday while Matasi trained with the rest of the team but did not play. “We really doubt if Matasi will play on Saturday  because he has a broken finger. He went for a scan and was asked to sit out in order not to risk it further,” Onyango said.

Onyango was quick to assure fans the absence of the two should not cause panic as they have a strong reserves bench. He singled out Barnabas Tiema as the possible replacement for Matasi between the posts. Tiema, was the first choice goalkeeper before Matasi joined the club. His last league match was against Ulinzi when Matasi was again ruled out due to another finger injury.

With Victor Ochieng, Mike Baraza, Jimmy Bagaye available, Jan Koops has plenty full of options in as far as the strike force is concerned. Other players who can be featured include Francis Chinjili and Brian Masiolo, who have not played for quite some time. However, Amon Muchiri, who was injured in the match against Gor Mahia, has resumed training.

That is a wrap folks! Hopefully Cynthia modelling the Thika United kit, wont be happy with the results of this clash!

Post Match: Rangers (H)

For the first time in many matches, we didn't have a Pre Match blog as your favourite blogger was holed up in Kigali enjoying Easter as the Leopards prepared to meet Rangers in Mumias.

Futaa reported:-

Despite the match stopping for more than a half an hour due to a heavy downpour, AFC Leopards remained determined and demolished Rangers 6-2 in the Kenyan Premier League tie on Sunday 8 April, at Mumias Sports Complex.

Martin Imbalambala opened the scoring in the 25^th minute from Bernard Mang’oli’s corner kick to put the table toppers in the driving seat.

Three minutes later, Allan Wanga doubled the lead, chipping over the ball past an advancing Raphael Omondi before he was replaced by Jimmy Bageya after picking an ankle injury.

On resumption, Bageya ensured his name was on the score-sheet with a feeble shot that beat Rangers custodian very easily before Victor Ochieng raised up to slot home Mang’oli’s header in the 50^th minute.

Noah Misiko replied quickly with a perfect shot as Ochieng and Bageya again fired home before Evans Ogutu added the second goal for the visitors after the downpour.

Leopards are still at the top of the table with 23 points, three points ahead of second placed Sofapaka.

MichezoAfrika reported:-

AFC Leopards made mince meat of a meek Rangers opposition rushing to a 2-0 lead after 30 minutes in a Kenyan Premier League match played on Sunday afternoon in Mumias Sports Complex. Victor Ochieng and Jimmy Bagaye both grabbed a brace in the second half while Allan Wanga and Martin Imbalambala scored a goal each to sink the troubled Rangers.

The match had to be temporarily stopped for over quarter of an hour as heavy rains threatened to disrupt the party in Mumias. However, after fans and players joined hands in draining the pitch, play resumed and AFC continued to win the match 6-2.

The win extended AFC Leopards supremacy at the helm of the KPL log with 23 points ahead of second placed Sofapaka (20) and their unbeaten matches to 22.

Captain Martin Imbalambala nodded in a corner kick from Bernard Mang’oli in 25th minute but the linesman ruled that it was scored in an offside position .The center referee stood his ground and overruled him to make it a one nil advantage in favor of AFC.

Two minutes later, international striker Allan Wanga latched onto a through ball by Salim Kinje to beat an onrushing Rangers goalie Raphael Omondi from 18 yards. Wanga who was a doubt to start the match due to injury had to be substituted a few minutes later due to a strained ankle injury.

The first half ended 2-0 in favor of the hosts. Upon resumption, AFC seemed to be breathing fire as they sank two quick goals through Victor Ochieng and Jimmy Bagaye.

But Rangers seemed to inject themselves some comeback power when Noah Misiko pulled a goal but this did little to stop the raging Leopard.

Victor Ochieng and Bageya once again added a goal each to extend Ingwe’s lead to 6-1 before the heavens opened up forcing the match officials to stop proceedings for a few minutes.

Rangers got another goal via Joseph Nuguna but it came a little too late to spoil the party at Mumias.

Speaking after the match, Rangers FC team manager Willis Waliaula acknowledged defeat and said it was a bad outing for his side.

“We lost to a better side.” He said.

KPL website wrote:-

AFC Leopards went on a terrific ramble, tearing Rangers apart with awesome speed and were leading 6-1 before the match was in real danger of being halted -- to be replayed from scratch the following day -- after torrential rains flooded the Mumias Sugar Company’s pitch after 70 minutes.

That was not going to amuse AFC Leopards supporters. To a man, they mobilised to drain the water off the pitch after the rain had subsided.

All manner of equipment, no matter how impractical, was utilised and after 30 minutes of stoppage, the match resumed.

There was time for Rangers’ Joseph Njuguna to score the last goal of the match and the second for Rangers.

Martin Imbalambala shot Leopards into the lead after 25th minutes heading home a Bernard Mang’oli corner. Allan Wanga made it 2-0 in the 28th minute.

Jimmy Bageya came on for a limping Wanga and stretched the leopards lead to 3-0, with a 50th minute goal. Victor Ochieng’ then snatched the first of his brace in the 52nd minute to make it 4-0 before Noah Misiko pulled one back for Rangers to trail 1-4.

Ochieng’ was to score again in the 62nd minute before Bageya made in 6-1 before the rains came.

Futaa carried a story on the good news about the gate collection.

AFC Leopards did not only garner the three points after beating Rangers 6-2 in a Kenyan Premier League match on Sunday 8 April, but also harvested a gross of Kshs 910,000 at Mumias Sports Complex in gate collections.

According to the acting Secretary General Duncan Angode, 900 VIP tickets were sold at Kshs 300 each totaling Kshs 270,000 with 3,200 terraces tickets sold at Kshs 200 each, managing to raise Kshs 640,000.

"Bearing in mind that it’s in Mumias, I am happy with the attendance. I’m proud of our fans and I’m sure sooner than later we shall remain fixed on our target of 5,000 fans per match", Angode told futaa.com.

With no stadium charges, AFC Leopards, being the home team, will get 90% of the proceeds with a commission 10% going to the ticketing handlers Wells Fargo.

The bad news was about the injury to Allan Wanga as carried by Futaa

AFC Leopards hit-man Allan Wanga is due to undergo another scan to determine the extent of an ankle injury suffered during Sunday’s (Apr 8 ) 6-2 win over Rangers at Mumias Sports Complex.

Wanga who had picked an injury in the training session prior to the match; was ruled fit after the first scan indicated he’s not in danger but limped-off the pitch just after netting the second goal for his side.

"I suffered an injury on Thursday (Apr 5) but it’s not that way serious as per the scan results; it’s just a soft tissue and was given an okay for the match", Wanga told futaa.com.

"For sure I was having a difficult time out there, I thought it will be fine but after scoring it seemed to be getting worse and I actually felt the pain. I don’t know how bad it is but fingers crossed I’ll be OK. I'll be going for another scan before the end of the day", concluded Wanga.

Though the Harambee Stars striker left the match too early, the business was finished by his replacement Jimmy Bageya and Victor Ochieng who scored a brace each to seal an emphatic win.

THE LOG

Post Match: KCB (A)

Leopards beat KCB 2-1 at the Nyayo National Stadium last night to open a three point lead at the top of the League. Mike Baraza scored both goals to send the Leopards fans into a frenzy. Here is how the press reported it:-

Brian Moseti of Futaa wrote:-

AFC Leopards emerged from a struggling first half to win 2-1 against 10-man KCB, in their Wednesday 28 March Kenyan Premier League match. 

The match started on a high with each side gaining access to the other’s box. KCB maintained a better ball possession throughout the first 45 minutes, closing with a 64% against AFC’s 46%.

Coming into the second half, AFC turned out to be the surer side,  upsetting the possession to 59% against KCB’s 41%.

The renewed force was also reflected in the scores, three minutes in, with Robert Syongo, Victor Ochieng and Mike Baraza, connecting well with each other, for a goal bouncing off Baraza’s boot. 

Syongo had received the ball on the right flank, and directed it towards KCB’s box, to find Ochieng, who back-heeled it for Baraza to seal the finish. 

With KCB struggling to come back into the match, Ingwe relaxed and for a moment appeared to sink into defense, constantly frustrating KCB’s Paul Mungai’s  and Jacob Keli’s runs inland. 

At the 78^th minute, frustration appeared to get to Mungai who lodged a verbal attack on the second assistant referee, for what he appeared to describe as numerous unfair calls. 

This single act earned him a red-card, further deepening his side’s woes. 

A minute later, Baraza, in a solo effort drove a thunderous shot past KCB’s keeper Kaleb Adola, to double Ingwe’s lead.

With the fate of the match appearing to be sealed, KCB’s Ezekiel Odera, who came in as 70^th minute substitute for Michael Oyando, found the back of AFC’s net, to earn his side a consolation.

The win topped Ingwe's ever-flourishing record to 21 matches unbeaten besides enabling them maintain the top spot they have embraced since the start of the season.

AFC Leopards: 1. Patrick Matasi, 5. Edwin Wafula, 26.Robert Syongo, 17. Jonas Nahimana, 40. Eric Masika, 10.Charles Okwemba, 4. Martin Imbalambala [Cpt],18. Salim Kinje [70’ Oscar Kadenge], 34. Victor Ochieng, 9. Allan Wanga, 11.Mike Barasa

KCB: 22 Kaleb Adola, 13 Bethuel Warambo, 3 Milton Milimo, 12 Joseph Apindi, 2 Dennis Omondi, 14 Michael Oyando [70’ Ezekiel Odera, 7 Jacob Keli, 6 Elvis Ayany (Cpt), 18 Clifford Alwanga [62’ Peter Wainaina], 5 Mungai Kiongera, 11 Benjamin Chaka [57’ Bernard Meki]

KPL website reported:-

TABLE-topping AFC Leopards showed diversity in their game comfortably stepping up in the second half from a low first, to beat KCB 2-1 at the National Stadium on Wednesday night.

Previously seen as a side that goes off the mark straight from the whistle, Leopards were unable to do it this time. But what a sense of timing it was as they injected a different gear into their game when it called for it, and in the end subdue a KCB side that probably thought they had Leopards on the ropes.

SuperSport’s statistics for the” live” match had KCB well ahead in the first half at 64% against 46% but as KCB did not capitalise on their domination, there was a perfect platform for Leopards to re-focus in the second period.

Apart from turning the tables in possession, 59% to 41%, Leopards made the second half form book count.

Three minutes from the restart, Robert Syongo, Victor Ochieng’ and Mike Baraza made their raid result in a Baraza goal.

The turn of events seemed to severely affect KCB’s nerve and it was most negative when Mungai Kiongera had to be shown the red card in the 78th minute after verbal misconduct.

A minute later Leopards punished this; Baraza going for his second goal, via an audacious taking on of the KCB defence and beating it with a determined dribble before firing past ‘keeper Caleb Adola.

Victory, then, looked comfortably sealed for Leopards but KCB were to get a goal from the unlikeliest of sources. Ezekiel Odera, the bankers’ top scorer and one of the league’s best in 2010 had moved on account of that prowess to Gor Mahia last season but failed miserably ending up with no goal and hardly a starting place in Gor Mahia.

Odera returned to KCB this season, not guaranteed a place in the team, but now in the seventh match for the bankers he was to score in injury time.

Leopards went 21 Kenyan Premier League matches unbeaten, since losing to Gor Mahia [1-3] on July 24 last year. Coach Jan Koops has been at the helm during that period.

TEAMS:-

KCB - 22. Caleb Adola: 13. Bethuel Warambo, 3.Milton Milimo, 12. Joseph Apindi, 2.Dennis Omondi, 14. Michael Oyando (10. Ezekiel Odera, 70’), 7. Jacob Keli, 6, Elvis Ayany (captain), 18 Clifford Alwanga (15. Peter Wainaina, 62’), 5. Mungai Kiongera,11. Benjamin Chaka (30. Bernard Meki, 57’)

Reserves not used - 1. Sammy Okinda, Gk; 25. Emmanuel Olupot, 23. Pius Andriano, 20. Geoffrey Maina 

Scorer - 10. Ezekiel Odera (90+)

Coach - James Omondi

AFC LEOPARDS - 1. Patrick Matasi: 5. Edwin Wafula, 26. Robert Syongo, 17. Jonas Nahimana, 40. Eric Masika, 10. Charles Okwemba, 4. Martin Imbalambala (captain),18. Salim “Kinje” Ramadhan (7. Oscar Kadenge, 70’), 34. Victor Ochieng’, 9. Allan Wanga, 11. Mike Baraza

Reserves not used - 19. Barnabas Tiema, Gk; 12. Augustine Etemesi, 50. Jimmy Bageya, 15. Francis Chinjili, 23. Abraham Cokie

Scorer - 11. Mike Baraza (48’, 79’)

Coach - Jan Koops [The Netherlands]

* * * *

Referee - Anthony Ogwayo Assistant ref - Hassan Omondi Reserve ref - Haji Adede

Match commissioner - Hezbon Mbogo

Timothy Olobulu of MichezoAfrika wrote:- 

Mike Barasa scored two wonderful  goals in the second half to give AFC Leopards an important 2-1 victory away  to KCB in an entertaining KPL match played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday evening. The win extends AFC Leopard’s unbeaten run to 21 games and cements their places at the top of the log.

Barasa struck in the 48th and 78th minutes to get Leopards three points ahead of second placed Sofapaka. Substitute Ezekiel Odera scored the consolation for KCB in the dying minutes of the match as the bankers charged forward to stage  a nervy end to the tie.

The high tempo match started with both teams going out on attack and KCB taking credits for the opening exchanges. Benjamin Chaka was causing all sorts of problems to Edwin Baraza on the left with Elvis Ayany and Mike Oyando providing good cover.

Leopards were however the first to get a chance at goal with Jonas Nahimana heading over the bar after a Martin Imbalambala’s long throw.

In the 9th minute Erick Masika almost gifted KCB with the opener but Paul Mungai could not do much with the lost ball. The Under 23 striker went on the right before cutting in a cross for Jacob Kelly, but Jonas Nahimana was fast enough to cover for his compatriot.

Mungai then tried his luck from a distance in the 13th minute but his shot went wide.

20 minutes into the match,the Leopards were on the attack and Victor Ochieng shot wide after Allan Wanga's misfired shot fell on his feet. Ochieng again lost another chance after beating Kaleb Adola with a nicely cut in shot but Bethwell Warambo covered well to clear the ball before it could cross the line.

Minutes past the half hour mark, Victor Ochieng’ saw his header alone in the box go wide after Robert Syong’os return header from a uncleared corner.

KCB were again forced into another goal line clearance five minutes from the half time whistle after another short corner with Adola off his line.

On 45 minutes, Jacob Kelly had a decent chance but Patrick Matasi pulled the best out of himself saving the former Mathare United striker’s shot from the edge of the box after he was let through by Elvis Ayany. 

In a quick counter that led to a corner, Salim Kinje’s shot after a short start to the corner was acrobatically tipped off by Kaleb Adola for  an resultant corner.

In the second period, AFC , Leopards seemed to have had a sip of liquid Mumias sugar and they came back with more energy.

Three minutes from the restart, Barasa put Leopards on the driver’s sit with a wonderful left foot shot. Robert Syongo brought in the cross from the left and Victor Ochieng laid it off for Barasa who struck to beat Kaleb Adola.

KCB Coach James Omondi  reacted by pulling off Benjamin Chalka for Bernard Meki and Clifford Alwanga for Peter Wainaina. 

With twenty minutes to the end, the evergreen Paul Mungai’s shot went straight into Matasi’s hands as KCB tried hard to break the Ingwe defense. Not even the coming in of Ezekiel Odera for Mike Oyando would change things for the bankers who were enjoying much of the possession.

AFC Leopards‘ Salim Kinje limped out injured and in his place came in Oscar Kadenge.

KCB were reduced to ten men in the 75th minute when Paul Mungai saw a straight red after he appeared to have hurled some nasty words at the assistant referee after a call that he didn’t like.

Just a minute after the send-off Mike Barasa doubled Ingwe’s lead with a ferocious right foot shot after wobbling through two defenders.

KCB managed a late consolation through Odera who slapped in the ball after Matasi had punched it away.

The win puts AFC Leopards three points clear of second placed Sofapaka in the KPL Standings.

Brian Moseti of Futaa filed an extra report on the Man of the Match:-

After scoring a brace in their 2-1 Kenyan Premier League win over KCB on Wednesday 28 March, AFC Ingwe Leopards’ Mike Baraza was named the man of the match.

On receiving his award [a DSTV Drifta], the striker underscored the fact that there is immense talent at the Ingwe camp and that one has to work extra hard to make the squad.

"AFC has many good players you have to work very hard for the coach to notice you, he said. I was glad that I made the starting team, and that is why when it was my time to impress, I stepped up on the plate and did what I had to do."

The three points earned from the match, set AFC Leopards, who are the league leaders, three points away from their closest rivals Sofapaka.

THE LOG

 

Pre Match: KCB (A)

League leaders AFC Leopards play against Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) at the Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday 28th March, 2012.

Sammy Kitula of the Daily Nation writes:-

Ravenous AFC Leopards switch their attention to KCB on Tuesday in an enticing midweek encounter at Nyayo stadium. 

The unbeaten league leaders have now won five of their last seven matches but face a dangerously unpredicatable bankers side.

Buoyed by a 2-1 away win against Western Stima over the weekend, Ingwe, who are yet to lose a match in 20 league outings, will want to build on their impressive run. They have scored 10 goals while conceding only two this season.

Already, Leopards’ goalkeeper, Patrick Matasi has rejected fears that they might buckle under the Sofapaka pressure and has urged his team-mates simply to enjoy their League matches. 

“I don’t think it’s about holding your nerve, but about going out and enjoying yourself,” the custodian said. “This is because those are the types of players we have.”

Second-placed Sofapaka have collected 17 points, same as Leopards, but with an inferior goal diffference. 

A draw is tolerable for the big cats, but it’s definitely not a desirably result. Used to winning now, Leopards’ fans have witnessed a spectacular turn of fortunes since head coach Jan Koops joined the side last year. 

And with Sofapaka breathing down their necks, maximum points is what Leopards will need to go for, given that they face the unpredictable Rangers FC in their next fixture on Saturday.

After scoring a brace over the weekend against Stima, centre half Jonas Nahimana will continue to be an important part of the Leopards’ hunting expedition. 

The Burundian turned Rwandese’s playmaking talents, including his passing and dribbling, will give him an opportunity to create many quality scoring chances against a Ruaraka outfit defense that is not one of the meanest in Kenyan football. They have conceded five times in six league matches.

With the expected return of Salim Kinje to Koops’ squad after pulling a calf muscle in that Stima win, the tactician has even more offensive firepower at his disposal.

With poven goal getters, Allan Wanga, Victor Ochieng and Jimmy Bageya available to the Dutch, key strategy in this game for KCB will be limiting the scoring chances the free-scoring Ingwe forwards can create.

If the bankers don’t defend well to begin the match, the men in blue-stripped jerseys could score some quick goals that would effectively end the match. On their part, the bankers will not sit and be clawed, but will need to call on their lead striker Jacob Keli to do the damage.

“We will give our best. We have a strong mentality and if we do what we are expected to, then winning the three points won’t be a difficult task,” Keli said.  

The league’s sharp shooter added that the match gave him an opportunity of catching up with the current top scorers, John Baraza and Kepha Awsani. Baraza scored twice against Ulinzi Stars for his sixth, while Aswani netted four times as Thika United humiliated Rangers 6-0.

Nancy Rose Ochieng of Futaa gives the following ticketing information:-

The Kenya Premier League side AFC Leopards is set to face KCB in a KPL match on Wednesday 28 March 2012 at the Nyayo National stadium.

Ahead of the match, tickets will be on sale by Ticket Masters at three outlets, City Stadium, Nyayo Stadium and Kenya Cinema as from 0900Hrs.

Only 6,000 tickets are printed for the Wednesday’s match, if need be, the remnant of 2012 encounter between the two KPL sides will be used to cater for the match.

The tickets will be selling at Ksh.200 and 400 for Terraces and VIP seats respectively. The sale will stop by 1600Hrs at the Nyayo Stadium as per FKF regulations.