- AFC Leopards conceded two late goals
- Leopards remained seventh in the standings
- The victory saw City Stars affirm FKF PL safety
AFC Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems says he was disappointed with the performance of his side as they lost 2-1 to Nairobi City Stars on Monday, conceding two late goals in the second half. Leopards had gone ahead, but a lack of concentration saw Kelvin Etemesi score two goals to hand Stars the win.
The defeat came just a week after they suffered a similar loss to Kakamega Homeboyz in the semi-finals of the FKF Cup.
“I am disappointed because once again we conceded childish goals. We made mistakes in defense and lost concentration just like we did last week and it is disappointing. We had so much hope in the Cup and now we need to find our way in the league and try to finish well despite the disappointment,” the Belgian tactician stated.
Meanwhile, the victory was important to City Stars as it assured themselves of safety from relegation in the FKF Premier League. Etemesi’s second half moved them 10 points clear of the play-off zone, currently occupied by Wazito FC, with three rounds of matches left.
City Stars coach Nicholas Muyoti was delighted with the result and praised the resilience of his team.
“We gave a good fight especially in the second half and I am happy with the performance of the team. In the second leg we have been doing very well and it shows that the work we have put in behind the scenes has really been working and is now bearing fruit,” said Muyoti.
Improved performance in second leg
Nairobi City Stars celebrate their win over AFC Leopards
He added that the players brought in at the start of the second leg have improved how they play, hence the turn of fortunes after a difficult start to the campaign.
AFC Leopards had a good start and gone ahead after 18 minutes when Victor Omune found the back of the net. He ran on to a long ball from Washington Munene before outmuscling his marker and sliding the ball under the keeper’s legs.
In the second half though, City Stars rallied and Etemesi levelled in the 65th minute with a brilliant goal. The forward controlled the ball inside the box, turned away from his marker before rifling into the roof of the net.
They scored an 89th minute winner, Etemesi once again pinning down Leopards.
It was another brilliant goal from the mid-season signing as he calmly collected a cross from James Mazembe before hitting a low shot on the half turn to beat keeper Levis Opiyo.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login