AFC Leopards sealed delivered resounding 3-1 win over Mathare United to seal a double over the 2008 league champions in a match played on Wednesday, 14 May at the Dandora Stadium. Before kick off, a minute of silence was observed in honour of fallen Leopards Secretary General Gilbert Andugu. With memories of their 4-0 thrashing of Mathare in the first leg still fresh, Ingwe walked into the fixture carrying the motivation to pick six points.This time, they had a deeper and emotional reason to win in light of Andugu’s demise. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8925197##From the first whistle, Ingwe showed their intent, taking control of the game and dominating the tempo.Their early pressure bore fruit in the 29th minute when Kayci Odhiambo capitalized on a rebound following Mathare’s failure to clear the second ball.In a heartfelt moment, Odhiambo lifted a shirt revealing Andugu’s photo and the message “RIP Gilbert Andugu.”Tusker capitulate in title race as Emmanuel Osoro takes charge of ‘Golden Boot’ chaseSix minutes later, Leopards doubled their lead through Christopher Koloti, who was at the right place to finish off a pass from Ronald Sichenje. The goal was certainly a source of heartbreak for the Mathare bench, as the burly striker spent the first leg of the season with them on loan from Leopards. Mathare attempted to rally in the second half, with attacking midfielder Brian Ouru and striker Donald Ange combining in bursts of promise. FKFPL: Homeboyz blow title race wide open after stunning Police in MumiasHowever, Leopards’ defense stood firm, absorbing the pressure and shutting down threats with calm resolve.In a bid to turn things around, Mathare introduced Mohammed Kilume for Ouru, while Leopards subbed in Victor Omune for Koloti. But it was Sichenje who would again light up the stadium, as he pounced on a long range pass from Vincent Mahiga, before hitting the ball hard into the nearest corner. The flanker used his pace to outsprint and outmuscle his marker Fidel Otieno before plundering the ball home past Michael Wanyika, who was guilty of leaving his nearest post exposed. Kenyan defender bags impressive feat in English Championship despite Premier League heartbreakMathare found a consolation in stoppage time through John Nyawir, but it was too little, too late as referee Israel Mpaima blew the final whistle.Nyawir, who had come in the second half for Erickson Mulu, replicated Sichenje’s goal, as he picked Musa Masika’s pass from a difficult angle but his left foot shot was powerful enough to beat Levis Opiyo.
