AFC Leopards stretch unbeaten run to 10 games

• AFC have not lost since December 10
• They have moved to seventh in the FKF Premier League log
• Nzoia remain rooted bottom of the standings

AFC Leopards continued with their resurgence over the new year, stretching their unbeaten run to 10 games after a 2-0 win over Nzoia Sugar. Rwandese import Arthur Gitego and former Nzoia player Hassan Beja scored the goals as Leopards moved to seventh in the FKF Premier League standings.

Leopards have not lost a Premier League game since December 12 when they were beaten 2-1 by Bidco United, a massive resurgence, from a horrific start to the season.

Looking back at the match, head coach Thomas Trucha was delighted with the performance.

“We made some changes in the second half which gave us some very good lease of life especially in attack. We knew that Nzoia would come to defend deep because of their position on the table and it was never going to be easy against such a team,” the tactician said.

He added; “But we remained patient and at half time we spoke about some few things which we wanted to change and this helped us to play better.”

Trucha has praised the players for their effort especially in 2024, but says he is lucky to have had more time with the players to try and imprint his philosophy.

“We have worked together with more time and we had camps together where I tried to explain what I wanted us to do and that helped us a lot,” said the coach.

Leopards continue with their resurgence

Action between AFC Leopards and Nzoia Sugar.

While Leopards continued with their resurgence, Nzoia’s hopes for survival this season were dealt a new blow, with the defeat. They remain pegged bottom of the table with 16 points, five away from the play-off zone and eight away from complete safety.

With 11 matches remaining before the season ends, the sugar millers know pressure is on their shoulders and they have to turn results around soonest.

Coach Steve Biko remains confident that Nzoia will survive relegation.

“We are in a tough spot but I am encouraged with how we are playing as a team. We managed to sign some experienced players who I believe will help us a lot moving forward to the last 11 games of the season,” the tactician said.

He added; “We just need to improve a bit in our finishing because I believe this has been the biggest let down. There is also some bit of work to be done at the back.”

Nzoia had done well to guard their back against AFC, but they found themselves conceding twice in the final 12 minutes of the game. The sugar millers had a chance early on at the start when Victor Haki found some shooting space from distance, but his left footed effort landed safely on Levis Opiyo’s hands.

Leopards dominate the game

Jaffary Owiti of AFC Leopards makes a pass under pressure from Victor Haki of Nzoia Sugar FC.

From then on, it was Leopards who dominated the chances, with Victor Omune shooting wide while Gitego had a good effort from a Cliff Nyakeya cutback, but his left footed shot rose over the bar.

Jaffary Owiti also had a chance at the backpost when Randy Bakari’s cross from the left evaded the backline, but the former could not land his effort on target.

Nzoia would be more pleased with the draw, as it suited their circumstances. Off the break, they wanted to step up the pace and Dan Musamali had a chance in the 58th minute when his quick feet created space inside the box, but keeper Levis Opoiyo made a full stretch save.

They had another chance when Joseph Wafula made a good run on the right but his well weighted shot struck the side netting.

Leopards made some changes which improved their forward play, Kevin Kimani, Clifton Miheso and Hassan beja coming in to step up the attacking tempo.

They went ahead in the 78th minute when Gitego kneed the ball home from inside the box off an Omune cross.

They were 2-0 up eight minutes later, Beja scoring against his former team when he rifled a rebound inside the box after the Nzoia keeper had spilled Kaycie Odhiambo’s header off a Kimani corner.