AFC Leopards’ struggles since the turn of the year continued as they played out to a barren draw against Ulinzi Stars in an FKF Premier League match held at Dandora Stadium on Wednesday 23 April.AFC Leopards came into the match desperate to snap a six-game winless streak, which included back-to-back defeats.Under pressure to steady the ship, head coach Fred Ambani made changes to his starting lineup, handing Christopher Koloti his first full debut in Ingwe colours.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsThe game began at a frantic pace, with the ball swiftly switching flanks. Ulinzi Stars looked to initiate attacks using long balls, hoping to catch the Leopards off guard.##NAJAVA_MECA_8877202##However, Ingwe remained composed, dictating the tempo with patient build-up play and keeping the ball on the deck.Leopards had an early golden opportunity in the 8th minute when Victor Otieno missed a sitter with an open goal at his mercy.Ovella Ochieng had done the heavy lifting, bursting down the left wing and squaring the ball into the box.Ulinzi’s goalkeeper, Issa Emuria, collided with Koloti in the build-up and stayed down as Otieno blazed his effort over the bar.Austin Odhiambo responds to public spat with Gor Mahia head coachThe incident forced Ulinzi into an early substitution, with Ronald Onyango replacing the injured Emuria, formerly of Mombasa Elite.Leopards continued to dominate possession after the restart, but their lack of a clinical edge in the final third remained evident. Despite their control, they failed to pose any real threat to the Ulinzi goal.In the 23rd minute, Ovella delivered a teasing cross from the right, but Ronald Bebeto’s header flew over the bar.##NAJAVA_MECA_8877532##Chances became scarce as both sides settled into the rhythm of the game. Leopards held onto most of the ball but struggled to break down Ulinzi’s organised backline.At the break, after 45 minutes plus seven additional minutes, Leopards’ dominance could only be reflected in the offside count — four against Ulinzi’s two — a frustrating stat for a side still searching for answers in attack.The battle intensified at the start of the second half, with both teams scrapping for control in the midfield.However, neither side managed to carve out clear chances to truly test the goalkeepers.Ulinzi’s urgency in attack was apparent, but their efforts were stifled by a lack of cohesion.Wanjala preaches “focus” as Tusker enter crucial phase of run-inNew signing Meshack Karani cut a lonely figure up front, often isolated and without adequate support.AFC Leopards nearly broke the deadlock in the 56th minute through Christopher Koloti. Ken Owino launched a long ball from the left flank, which Ulinzi goalkeeper Ronald Onyango misjudged badly.His failed attempt to collect the ball allowed Koloti to pounce. The forward rounded the stranded Onyango and fired towards an empty net, but defender Fredrick Odour raced back just in time to clear the effort off the line and concede a corner.Ulinzi responded just four minutes later with a chance of their own. Yakeen Mutheli unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box, drawing a fingertip save from Leopards’ custodian Levis Opiyo.##NAJAVA_MECA_8876802##The four-time league champions made their second substitution in the 63rd minute, bringing on former Nakuru All Stars forward Dennis Munyao for the struggling Karani.Odour, who had earlier saved Ulinzi with his last-ditch clearance, found himself in the referee’s book moments later after obstructing Koloti from a promising position.Ovella Ochieng stepped up to take the resulting free kick and came agonizingly close, rattling the crossbar before the ball went out of play.Leopards made their change in the 72nd minute, introducing Clifton Miheso in place of Ronald Bebeto in search of more attacking intent.AFC Leopards suffer lengthy double injury blowDespite both teams fighting tooth and nail, neither could land the killer blow.Ulinzi made a double substitution in the 79th minute, bringing on Oscar Wamalwa and Brian Birgen for Yakeen Mutheli and Ali Shaib, hoping to inject some late energy.The final ten minutes devolved into a scrappy affair, with players from both sides going to the ground at the slightest touch, disrupting any remaining rhythm.##NAJAVA_MECA_8877532##At the final whistle, the deadlock remained unbroken. The result marked AFC Leopards’ 11th draw of the campaign, keeping them seventh on the log with 38 points. Ulinzi Stars, meanwhile, sit 12th with 32 points.
