A late equalizer from second half substitute Dan Sunguti has saved AFC Leopards from recording their third consecutive loss after playing Nzoia Sugar to a 2-2 draw at the Nakuru ASK grounds. Leopards were headed for yet another bitter loss but Sunguti saved the day as well as salvaged a point after forcing the ball past the line in the added minutes to draw Ingwe level. Prior to kick off, the quorum hitch in the backline forced coach Patrick Aussems to hand Omar Somobwana his league debut, starting at right back while Collins Shivachi and Isaac Kipyegon partnered at the heart of defence.The decision to elbow Robinson Kamura out of the team and the unavailability of Clyde Senaji came to haunt Aussems as he had only five defenders in the match.The backline was hit hard when Robert Mudenyu hobbled off with an injury during their 3-2 loss to Western Stima last week, a setback which has forced Aussems to pair Shivachi and Kipyegon who are natural full backs at central defence.FULL TIME Nzoia Sugar 2 AFC Leopards 2#OursForever #INGWE— AFC Leopards (@AFCLeopards) July 25, 2021 The Belgian tactician also welcomed the duo of Benjamin Ochan and Said Tsuma back to the team after missing the last three matches following the expiry of their contracts.Despite the myriad of challenges lingering around the team, Elvis Rupia gave them the lead in the fifth minute a goal which took his tally to 15 goals.The burly forward served his former employer with bitterness as well as equaled his 2018 tally which earned him a move to Zambian side Lusaka Dynamos.Lanky Nzoia forward and Congolese Gaetan Masha thought that he had drawn his side level two minutes to the half time whistle but was denied by the flag.Nzoia boss Ibrahim Shikanda introduced Leonard Kasembeli for Elisha Wekesa before restart in a bid to punch holes in the Leopards defence.FULL TIME A late goal from Dan Sunguti salvaged a point for @AFCLeopards His first goal for the teamNzoia Sugar 2 AFC Leopards 2 #NzoiaVsLeopards#BKPL pic.twitter.com/i6O1IAwlVS— Betking Kenya Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) July 25, 2021 Masha would not be denied for the second time as he kissed the back of Ochan’s net in the 57th minute to even the scores.Even before the joy of restoring parity could fade out, Nzoia were in celebration mood as Hillary Simiyu converted from the spot three minutes later to give the sugar men the lead.Shortly after conceding, Aussems threw in the quartet of Harrison Mwendwa, Sunguti, Hansel Ochieng and Said Tsuma for Caleb Olilo, Bienvenue Shaka, Eugene Mukangula and Boniface Mukhekhe.Nzoia made their second change in the 72nd where former national U20 full back right Moses Mwale came in for the injured Dennis Wanjala.Sunguti repaid the playing time with the equalizer right at death depriving Nzoia their fifth win of the season.
