AFC Leopards head coach Tomas Trucha leapt to the defense of goalkeeper Levis Opiyo after he added yet another Mashemeji derby blunder to his growing collection, an error that gifted Gor Mahia the three points.The two teams faced off in a well-attended Mashemeji Derby on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium, a game that was decided by an Austin Odhiambo goal. The goal was largely a gift from Opiyo as he was dispossessed when he tried to dribble past two Gor players, with the former AFC Leopards man firing home what proved to be the winner.##NAJAVA_MECA_8046099##Gor Mahia keeper Kevin Omondi saw red moments later for denying Victor Omune a goal-scoring opportunity, but even with the numerical superiority, Ingwe barely threatened Gor and in the end, the league leaders got the job done, bagging maximum points from the duel and edged closer to defending their league title.The fixture is fast becoming a nightmare for Opiyo. On June 2, 2022, he gifted Gor Mahia the equalising goal in the Derby during a match used to mark the 59th Madaraka Day celebrations. Odhiambo was the beneficiary after Collins Shivachi had given Ingwe the lead. Gor went on to win the game through penalties. This season, in the first leg played in October, his error of judgment saw Benson Omala score the first of his double at the Moi Kasarani Stadium.This goal is painful to watch buana. Levis Opiyo hapa nayo tawe. Afadhali ushike ikuwe indirect free kick 😂😂 #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/KJt89XgaY8— OJAY (@Ombeva_Joseh) April 21, 2024 After the latest gaffe, Ingwe fans, both in the stadium and online, were once again on Opiyo’s back, accusing him of all manner of things, while some demanded his departure come the end of the season when his contract expires.His coach, however, has a different opinion. Although he admits that the player made an error of judgment, he opines that his team should have easily come back in the game, especially after Gor were reduced to ten by taking the chances they created.“He knows it was not a good decision, but at the same time, Levis is not the reason we lost. We should have done more with the chances we got,” the Czech tactician said.The coach also took time to apologize to the incensed fans, saying they should have done better to make the fans who had thronged the stadium happier.”I want to apologize to the fans who came to the stadium today. We should have done more. With our quality, we should have done more,” he added.Next for Ingwe is a Mozzart Bet Cup tie against Compel FC.
