AFC Leopards Raid Police FC with Last-Gasp Winner

Leopards players perform a mock salute after scoring a late winner against Police fc. Photo: Kennedy Mutunga.

AFC Leopards left it late but grabbed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Police FC in a SportPesa League clash at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Substitute Ronald Sichenje struck in the 93rd minute to settle a fiercely contested encounter, rescuing Ingwe after a frustrating afternoon in front of goal.

Leopards started brightly, pressing Police in search of an early breakthrough. In the fifth minute, Ssenyonjo forced goalkeeper Job Ochieng into a save after receiving a fine pass from Madada. Kanteh failed to convert the rebound as Ingwe squandered a golden opportunity.

Leopards defender Otiala scored the opener as Koutiama squandered claer chance top put host in front. Photo: Kennedy Mutunga.

Police gradually found their feet and threatened through Koutiama and Christophe Outtara, who both missed chances. Brian Chonjo also tested the Leopards defence from a free kick.

Tempers flared before the break as players disputed decisions, while Leopards supporters protested after believing their team had scored. Objects were thrown onto the pitch, and the tense scenes disrupted proceedings around half-time.

Ingwe returned with renewed purpose and broke the deadlock in the 49th minute. Semo delivered a free kick from the flank, allowing Otiala to fire a low shot past Ochieng.

Police refused to surrender. In the 56th minute, Koutiama struck the woodwork with goalkeeper Ikara beaten. The visitors eventually equalised in the 60th minute when Edward Omondi produced excellent work before setting up Elvis Rupiah to finish past the Leopards goalkeeper.

Rupiah equalized for Police Photo: Kennedy Mutunga.

Both sides pushed for a winner, but poor finishing threatened to leave the contest level.

Then came the decisive moment. In the 93rd minute, confusion in the Police defence opened the door for substitute Sichenje to strike and send Ingwe fans into celebration. Mugane nearly added a third, but Ochieng denied him in a one-on-one situation.

Police coach Nicholas Muyoti blamed defensive lapses and poor concentration for the defeat, promising to address the team’s weaknesses.

His Leopards counterpart, Fred Ambani, was less concerned about the missed chances, arguing that creating opportunities was a positive sign and that finishing would improve with time.

The incidence that saw Leopards players claim that the ball had crossed the goal line. Photo: Kennedy Mutunga.

For Ingwe, the victory was sweet. However, their wastefulness in front of goal remains a concern, even when late drama delivers the three points.

KennedyMutunga feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com