AFC Leopards are smiling all the way to the bank, Ksh 750,000 richer after edging Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 in the Mozzart Bet Cup third place playoff staged at Ulinzi Sports Complex.Victor Omune and Randy Bakari scored for the Tomas Trucha-coached Ingwe, with Keith Imbali on the scoresheet for Sharks.Omune, who had a good afternoon following his impressive showing on the flanks, was named man of the match, winning a Ksh 100,000 humanitarian cheque from sponsors Mozzart Bet.##NAJAVA_MECA_8186110##The two sides had to battle for third place after losing in the semifinals played last month at Police Sacco Stadium.Ingwe fell 1-0 to Police in a match surrounded by controversies and played across two days following fan trouble, while Sharks lost 4-2 on post-match penalties against Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) after a 1-1 draw in regular time.Leopards got the first initiative of the match through Omune in the 14th minute, who overpowered his markers to unleash his traditional thunderbolt from the edge of the box.Ingwe controlled possession immediately after the goal as Sharks struggled to settle in the match, and it did not take long before Bakari doubled their advantage.The former Nzoia Sugar defender rose the highest to meet Brian Wanyama’s delivery from a corner kick in the 32nd minute, leaving Sebastian Wekesa in Sharks’ post hapless.Kenya Police Bullets ready for Cecafa Women’s Club ChampionshipThe William Muluya-coached Kariobangi had a chance to reduce the deficit three minutes later through a spot kick, but Johnmark Makwatta’s attempt went wide.Rwandese striker Arthur Gitego had a chance to triple Ingwe’s lead at the stroke of halftime, but his shot landed in the hands of the waiting Wekesa.There was a sense of urgency from both sides in the second half, and Leopards had a perfect chance to net a third when Omune was fouled inside the penalty area in the 47th minute, but Gitego’s shot was saved.A scuffle ensued in the 54th minute as the match heated up, which saw Leopards’ duo of Jaffar Owiti and Owino Kennedy get booked.Ingwe were unfortunate to lose Bakari after an awkward landing after being hit by the ball from a free kick, with his place taken by Gedion Were in the 61st minute.Sharks, who had thrown in fresh legs, tried getting back into the match, but Ingwe’s defense was equal to the task.NSL: Mara Sugar aim for strong finish in NSL season finaleA poor clearance from Kariobangi’s indirect penalty ended with a corner kick that Imbali headed home to breathe life into his side.Attempts to get a leveller and force the match into extra time were thwarted, with Leopards’ backline standing firm.The big cats held on to the slim advantage to the final whistle to finish third as well as exit the tournament with cash and medals.
