AFC Leopards are Ksh. 750, 000 richer after edging Ulinzi Stars 1-0 in the Mozzart Bet third-place playoff played at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday. Eugene Mukangula was the hero of the game as his second half goal inspired Leopards to a third-place finish in the tournament whose champion will play in the CAF Confederation Cup next season. Despite scoring the match-winning goal, winger Jafari Owiti was named and awarded as the man of the match following the impressive show he put on the left wing. F.T @AFCLeopards finish 3⃣#MozzartBetCup pic.twitter.com/S5pK6n9hSQ— Mozzart Bet Cup (@FKFCup) July 1, 2023 This is this second time the former Chemelil Sugar man is getting the recognition as he was feted in the quarterfinals against Bandari. The two teams had to battle for the third place after losing in the semifinals played last month.Ingwe fell 2-1 to Kakamega Homeboyz while Ulinzi lost 1-0 to TuskerUlinzi would have broken for the half time breather with some goals to show for as the soldiers had the best chances that, they failed to utilize. Five top flight clubs chasing Mathare United centre back Gideon Werre’s signatureEnosh Ochieng, was guilty not to convert or make the right pass twice in the closing stages of the half, as the forward elected to try his luck unsuccessfully. Prior to the two open chances that fell the way, there was nothing to write home about the game as the two sides struggled to create clear cut chances. Leopards had penalty appeal turned down in the 20th minute in an incident where Enosh appeared to have caught Maxwell Otieno late in the box while attempting to clear the ball. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7347262##However, centre referee Josephine Wanjiku wasn’t convinced with that the challenge was strong enough to warrant a penalty. Leopards winger Jafari Owiti was a cause of concern for the Ulinzi backline, using his electric pace and drilling skills to the advantage of his side but, his final ball wasn’t good enough. There was a sense of urgency and improvement in the second half as both teams sought to break the deadlock. Leopards custodian Levis Opiyo pulled a double save in the 55th minute to deny Ulinzi, who had camped at the area from taking the lead.FULL TIME We finish 3rd in the 2023 FKF CUP AFC Leopards SC 1 Ulinzi Stars 0⚽️ Eugene Mukangula #FKFCup#Betika #OursForever #INGWE pic.twitter.com/8eRXWOVADq— AFC Leopards SC (@AFCLeopards) July 1, 2023 Leopards, against the run of play took the lead in the 66th minute through Eugene Mukangula whose hit the back of the net from a cross that sailed past Saruni. Mukangula, had intended to whip a cross and find Ojo Olaniyi but the ball, caught Saruni, who was a few yards off his line off guard. Ulinzi who, introduced fresh legs after conceding, tried to level matters almost instantly, but the Ingwe defence was equal to the task. Leopards held on the slim advantage upto the final whistle to finish third as well as exit the tournament with cash and medals. AFC LeopardsLevis Opiyo, Collins Shivachi, Washington Munene, Robert Mudenyu, Tedian Esilaba, Musa Oundo, Cliff Nyakeya, Eugene Mukangula (Boniface Mukhekhe) , Victor Omune, Maxwell Otieno (Ojo Olaniyi 46)Jafari Owiti SubstitutesMaxwell Mulil, Erick Mbithi, Dan Sunguti, Brian Wanyama, Moses Lukhumwa, Zacharia OchiengUlinzi Stars James Saruni, Swaleh Chacha, Bonaventure Muchika, Glen Wafula (Boniface Andayi 70), Shannel Makwata, Boniface Ngoma, Clinton Omondi (Daniel Waweru) , Kelvin Thairu (Lucas Maina 70), Enosh Ochieng (Elly Saenyi) , Elvis Nandwa (Masita Masuta 70), Boniface MuchiriSubstitutes Stephen Ochieng, Meshack Emuria,Mark Bikokwa, Reuben Mita
