AFC Leopards ease relegation fears with second victory of the season

Washington Munene’s spectacular freekick was all AFC Leopards needed to put an end to their five-match losing streak as they beat Posta Rangers 1-0 at Nyayo National Stadium.It was only the third goal in 8 matches for Ingwe, with the other two having been scored by Saad Musa and the departed Isaac KipyegonBoth teams had a cautious approach to the match, making the opening stages of the game dull as they tested each other.In a rather dull first half, it was Washington Munene’s spectacular freekick that gifted Ingwe all the points in the 25th minute that stood out.Leopard’s Nigerian import Kingsley Fasanmi was brought down a couple of yards from the 18 area and Munene stepped up to take the resultant freekick, producing something similar to what he hit against Nairobi City Stars last season, leaving Jairus Adira sprawling in goal as the ball kissed the net.Fasanmi had a fair share of chances in the first half but the Nigerian, bulky striker could not find the magical touch to find the net to the disappointment of the AFC Leopards on the stands.Upon restart, Patrick Aussems threw in Eugene Mukangula for Asaad Musa who picked an injury in the first half and could not continue.Tactically, it was also a way to hold and have much of the ball given Mukangula’s qualities in the central of the park.Fasanmi almost turned the fans favorite with his well struck shock moments after the restart, all against the run of play but Adira stretched out well to prevent Ingwe from doubling the lead.In dire need of a goal, Stanley Okumbi juggled up his team, making an attacking minded change as he brought in Jackson Dwang, Josphat Lopaga, and Francis Nambute for Brian Marita, Eliud Lokuwam, and Chrispinus Onyango at the hour mark.The change had an immediate impact and could have seen Posta level the scores after Lopaga made a beautiful rub on the right, producing a low cross that Nambute should have latched on but custodian Levis Opiyo got to the ball before him.Posta followed up their change with another one in midfield as Victor Majid replaced Benard Ondiek, and Ingwe responded by bringing in Maxwell Otieno for Peter Thiong’o.Caleb Olilo had a torrid second half against his former side, getting booed by Ingwe faithfuls every time he touched the ball.The win sees AFC Leopards move to 13th on the log with seven points.And Ingwe diehards can finally smile again.AFC Leopards Starting XI: Levis Opiyo, Lewis Bandi, Washington Munene, Kayci Odhiambo, Joachim Oluoch, Marvin Nabwire, Brian Wanyama, Daniel Musamali, Kingsley Fansami, Peter Thiong’o, Saad MusaSubs: Maxwell Mulili, Robert Mudenyu, Moses Lukhwana, Dan Sunguti, Maxwell Otieno,Njite Ochieng, Donald Ange, Eugene MukangulaPosta Rangers Starting XI: Jairus Adira, Sammy Imbuye, Michael Apudo, Kennedy Odhiambo, Suleiman Ngotho, Benard Ondiek, Brian Marita, Vincent Wasambo, Eliud Lokuwam, Chrispinus Onyango, Caleb OliloSubs: Kelvin Opiyo, Sammy Miseh, David Ochieng, Victor Majid, Joshua Nyatini, Brian Otieno, Jackson Dwang, Josphat Lopaga, Francis Nambute

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