AFC Leopards head coach Tomas Trucha has lauded his squad for a composed performance against Division One side Compel SC, though he felt as if they made their own life difficult.Ingwe, in a pivotal Mozzart Bet Cup quarter-final at Dandora Stadium, conceded after 25 seconds before having to claw back thanks to goals from Kaycie Odhiambo and a double by striker Arthur Gitego.Mozzart Bet Cup: Gitego brace propels AFC Leopards to cup semifinalThe win, which Trucha in his post-match interview made clear wasn’t “big,” was a welcome tonic after his side fell to Gor Mahia in last weekend’s Mashemeji Derby.Speaking of his team’s reaction after that loss on Sunday, Trucha said: “Of course a good, composed win. There was no excuse not to win.“We didn’t make it easy for ourselves by giving that goal to the opponent, and we also made it difficult for ourselves by creating so many opportunities that we couldn’t score from.”The 52-year-old was, however, positive of how his players reacted in the game, with an asterisk for any excitement sipping into the dressing room.##NAJAVA_MECA_8063308##“Over 90 minutes we controlled the game but this is what you expect from a Premier League team facing a Division One opponent. It takes more; quality, focus, discipline. And I thought we were exceptional.”Asked about facing Kenya Police in the semifinals, he said: “A different opponent now. Their form has been better than anyone in the league but my focus is on Bandari (who AFC face in the league next weekend).”And the crowd goes WIIILLLDDD!!! AFC Leopards 3⃣ – 1⃣ Compel SC#MozzartBetCup pic.twitter.com/8yAxkwo7TG— Mozzart Bet Cup (@FKFCup) April 28, 2024 Meanwhile, Compel head coach George Mutimba thought the Dandora Stadium surface didn’t help his squad saying: “We were disadvantaged because our players have not played in such a turf or even experienced playing in Nairobi.“But it’s football, and we have to accept the results. We are however proud of the journey we have had, and we will be back. Even better.”
