AFC Leopards misfire in season opener against bogey side Sofapaka
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 20.09.25. | 18:05
Traditionally, Sofapaka have proved to be a thorn in the flesh of the Leopards, winning 12 of their 34 previous meetings
AFC Leopards' quest to quench their 27-year wait for a league title got off to a dull start following a 1-1 draw against bogey side Sofapaka in a clash staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, 20 September.
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An early goal that came inside the opening five minutes, courtesy of Djafari Satala, threw Ingwe's game plan into disarray, but 17 minutes later, Boniface Munyendo drew AFC Leopards level to secure a point on their opener.
Traditionally, Sofapaka have proved to be a thorn in the flesh of the Leopards, winning 12 of their 34 previous meetings, while Ingwe have managed 11 victories, with 11 stalemates being recorded.
Buoyed by their marginally better record over AFC Leopards, Sofapaka posted a blistering start to the game and were rewarded in the fifth minute when Djafari Satala tapped home after a pass across the face of the goal found him.
Batoto ba Mungu did not take their foot off the gas with the early goal, as they continued to press and came close in the 20th minute, but Joseph Kuloba could not train his powerful effort on target.
Sofapaka were punished almost immediately on the other end, as Boniface Munyendo rifled the ball into the roof of the net after a corner was whipped in by Victor Otieno, but partially cleared, kindly falling to former Nzoia Sugar FC forward.
With momentum on their side, AFC Leopards finished the half strongly but could not add to the scoreline as both teams went into the break level.
Fred Ambani freshed things up with the onset of the second half, taking off Hassan Beja for Ronald Sichenje.
Ronald, younger brother to Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje, almost made an immediate impact as his effort in the 48th minute cannoned off the woodwork.
AFC Leopards were on the ascendancy with the offside flag denying them the lead in the 58th minute after Ugandan import Samuel Ssenyonjo fired them ahead, only for the linesman to raise his flag and cut short Ingwe's celebrations.
Despite pushing for a winner in the closing stages of the second half, AFC Leopards were forced to settle for a draw.
Kariobangi Sharks 0-0 Bandari
2018 and 2019 Mozzart Bet Cup winners, Kariobangi Sharks and Bandari, respectively, settled for a barren draw in their opening game of the season staged at Kasarani Annex.
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