AFC Leopards – Sports Africa

Playing for AFC Leopards a dream come true – Daniel Musamali

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For promising midfielder Daniel Musamali, playing for the 1998 Kenyan Premier League champions AFC Leopards is a dream come true.

Born and raised in an environment where football is like a religion, Dante, as he is fondly known by his peers, realized his soccer gift when in Class Five in 2012 at Nzoia Industrial Primary School where he made a brave move and joined Nzoia Sportiff Football Club to sharpen his skills.

Sportiff is a grassroots football unit rooted deep in Bungoma County that acts as one of the feeder clubs for premier league side Nzoia Sugar FC.

After completing his primary school education in 2015, the prodigy later joined St Mary’s High School Kibabii in 2016 before leaving the institution in mid-2017 to join Rift Valley football secondary school football powerhouse St Anthony’s Kitale.

From there, Musamali was scouted by AFC Leopards under the tutelage of the then head coach Anthony (Modo) Kimani.

Musamali would later be loaned to Nzoia Sugar FC in the 2020/2021 season before Ingwe called him back to the Den to man the Patrick Aussems’ depleted midfield this season.

The soft spoken lad was on the score sheet on Sunday, December 19, as Leopards played to a 1-1 all draw with FC Talanta at the Nyayo National Stadium in a hotly contested FKF Premier League tie.

Commenting on the feeling on donning the the famous beautiful blue and white Leopards’ jersey , Musamali did not hide his joy, terming it as a dream come true to represent Ingwe in the country’s top flight football league.

“It has always been my dream to play at this level for such like a club,” Musamali shared. “Even though I’m not yet get where I want to be, it is a huge privilege to play for AFC Leopards. I now want to win trophies with this club. ”

AFC Leopards is grappling with grave setbacks owing to financial instability, a major factor that led to players’ mass exodus last season.

The club’s management was forced to turn their attention to the junior side and assembled a rather young team that head coach Aussems is burning the midnight oil to groom.

Ingwe is struggling to gain a firm grip in the league that has already gained momentum, placed 15th on the log with nine points in 10 outings, Musamali is still optimistic that much is still left to fight for in the campaign.

“It is still early, matches have not gone too far. We will be somewhere if we win our next seven fixtures, then push hard in the return leg,” said Musamali.

Commenting on Aussems’ coaching philosophy, Musamali revealed that he is enjoying life under the guidance of the Belgian tactician. ” He is a nice coach, very positive. ”

The 13-time champions are looking to build the team around a crop of young talents comprising Musamali, speedy winger Peter Thiong’o and captain Marvin Nabwire to help the club restore their lost glory

AFC Leopards make it three wins in a row

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AFC Leopards registered their third straight win in the BetKing Premier League after defeating Posta Rangers 2-1 on Saturday.

The in-form striker Elvis Rupia gave the 13-time champions a deserved lead after 29 minutes. It was a good move by the Kenyan giants that was perfected by the Mailmen’s concentration lapses.

Ingwe scored their second goal in the 36th minute, with the towering striker yet again playing a crucial part.

Rupia headed a corner on target but goalkeeper Bryne Omondi parried it but as far as Bienvenue Shaka’s path and the player capitalized on the advantage.

Rangers managed to get their consolation in the 83rd minute through Calvin Odongo. It was the second loss the Sammy Omollo-led charges were registering in the league.

They have so far managed to get a win, seven draws and two losses in the 10 games they have played.

2009 champions Sofapaka were held to a 1-1 draw with Vihiga United in another top tier game played at Mumias Stadium.

It was Batoto ba Mungu who scored first when Kepha Aswani scored an Ellie Asieche cross.

But the hosts fought hard and equalised courtesy of Patrick Okullo to ensure his team got a point.

KCB and Ulinzi Stars battled to a goalless draw at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

AFC Leopards claw Kariobangi Sharks to move fourth

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AFC Leopards moved to the fourth position in the BetKing Premier League after a deserved 2-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday.

Prior to the meeting, Ingwe had never beaten the Slum Boys in their past seven meetings. The latter had managed two wins and five draws, and owing to their recent form this season, they came into the match as favourites.

However, it was the 13-time league champions who started the game well and were rewarded in the 11th minute. Geoffrey Shiveka and Samuel Olwande failed to clear a set-piece by Robinson Kamura and Elvis Rupia banged home.

In the 83rd minute, the visitors were reduced to 10 men after Fabrice Mugheni was sent off for the second bookable offense.

It mattered less as Ingwe scored their second in the stoppages as Jaffari Owiti spotted Sharks keeper Brian Bwire off his line and he capitalized on the poor positioning with a long-range effort.

In another top tier game played at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, KCB defeated their hosts Western Stima 3-1 to reclaim top spot from Tusker FC.

The Bankers opened their scoring in the 26th minute through Simon who scored from the penalty.

However, the Powermen managed to equalize in the 52nd minute courtesy of former Gor Mahia striker Kennedy Agogo.

In the 63rd minute, Henry Onyango restored KCB’s lead before Victor Omondi sealed the win with 20 minutes to go.

Kakamega Homeboyz also picked their second win of the season when they defeated Bidco United 2-0 at Bukhungu. Ali Bhai and Moses Mudavadi scored the two goals to end Homeboyz’s run of six league games without a win.

KCB’s fine run halted by AFC Leopards

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KCB FC’s excellent run in the BetKing Premier League was halted on Sunday as they fell 2-1 to AFC Leopards at Kasarani Stadium.

Prior to their weekend game, the Bankers had collected maximum points from the six games they had initially played. It was not the same case for the former champions who had managed to get three wins and two losses from their initial five minutes.

It seemed the Zedekiah Otieno-led team was on another routine win when they scored in the 25th minute. Derrick Otanga managed to pick David Mbuku in the danger zone. The latter teed up Samuel Mwangi who connected from close range.

Ingwe waited just four minutes to come back into level terms. After failing to clear the dangerous ball in their area, Elvis Rupia capitalized on it fully when he unleashed a shot that beat the goalkeeper.

The former Wazito FC forward completed his brace in the 57th minute to take his tally of the season to eight, three less than Kapaito.

Wazito FC came from a goal down to defeat Bidco United 2-1 in another league assignment.

Dennis Sikhayi and Vincent Oburu scored for the Francis Kimanzi-led team to cancel out Nelson Chieta’s opener.

Posta Rangers also won their first league game this season against their hosts Vihiga United. William Odero scored the lone goal to help the mailmen to their maiden win.

Wazito ‘too heavy’ for AFC Leopards

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AFC Leopards registered their second consecutive defeat in the BetKing Premier League after going down to Wazito FC by a solitary goal at the Utalii Grounds, Nairobi, on Saturday.

Ingwe had fallen to Western Stima at Kasarani by 2-0 in their previous game and expected a change of fortunes against Wazito FC who came into the match full of confidence thanks to their 2-1 win over the highly Nairobi Stars.

Benjamin Ochan kept the 13-time league champions in the game after pulling a fantastic save in the 11th minute to deny Musa Masika who was through on goal.

But the Ugandan had no answer to Kevin Kimani 10 minutes later as the former Mathare United man beat him from close range. It happened to be the only goal of the game.

At Wundanyi Stadium, Mathare United started their season with a 4-2 loss against their hosts Sofapaka.

Batoto ba Mungu opened the scoring after 12 minutes courtesy of former Gor Mahia midfielder Juma Lawrence. Two minutes later, Nixon Omondi doubled the advantage owing to poor defending.

The 2009 champions ensured they went to the break with a healthy lead after Juma once again found the back of the net in the 18th minute.

The Slum Boys reduced the deficit in the 71st minute when Daniel Otieno scored and the 2008-league champions dared to dream of a possible comeback when they scored their second in the 83rd minute through Chris Oduor.

However, Juma had other ideas as he managed to grab a hat trick to help his team to a 4-2 win.

KCB made it six wins in a row with a 1-0 win over Bidco United. The Bankers scored the lone goal in the 48th minute courtesy of Reagan Otieno.

At Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa, Bandari FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Zoo FC. William Wadri scored for the hosts while Sammy Ggolola equalized.

Shikanda: AFC Leopards will not suffer 6-0 defeat like Gor Mahia

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AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikana has taken a jibe at Gor Mahia saying he wants to see AFC Leopards win the league but not to suffer an embarrassing defeat in continental assignments.

Ingwe’s bitter rivals Gor Mahia were humiliated in North Africa in the CAF Champions League game after falling 6-0 to their hosts CR Belouizdad.

The Great Chabab scored their goals through Hamza Bellahouel, Larbi Tabti, and Maecky Ngombo to register a comfortable win.

“I want to retire after I win the CAF title with AFC Leopards and do not want to win the league to go lose 6-0,” Shikanda revealed his intentions to reporters in a recent function.

“We have a strong squad and I know we will soon conquer Africa. I do not want to laugh at Gor Mahia but we do not want to go out there and lose 6-0.

Ingwe are currently third on the Kenyan Premier League table with nine points from the four games they have played.

Western Stima switch off AFC Leopards

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AFC Leopards tasted their first defeat in the BetKing Premier league after going down 2-0 to Western Stima Friday.

Prior to Friday’s game, the 13-time champions had managed to collect maximum points from the three games they had played. They had defeated Tusker 2-1 before collecting another 2-0 win over Bidco and later on emerged 3-0 win against Sofapaka.

It was not the same case with the Kisumu-based side who had drawn 0-0, lost 3-1 and lost 5-2 to Bidco United, Sofapaka and Tusker FC respectively.

Ingwe had the desire to get an early goal and Austine Odhiambo was unfortunate to hit the woodwork after just eight minutes. The hosts dominated but could not finish the chances they created.

The hungry Power Men needed the added minutes of the game to score the goals. Joseph Mukisa and Villa Oruchum.

KCB capitalized fully on the situation to open a three point gap on top of the table after a 2-1 win away to Bandari.

The Bankers scored their goals courtesy of Derrick Otanga and David Owino. As a result, the Zedekiah Zico Otieno-led charges are so far the only unbeaten team in the league.

AFC Leopards brush aside Sofapaka to continue with fine run

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AFC Leopards made it three wins in a row after a 3-0 victory over Sofapaka on Saturday afternoon at Kasrani, Nairobi.

Benjamin Ochan saved Ingwe twice with Robin Kamura also coming close for the hosts. Michael Karamor also missed the target narrowly after beating the goalkeeper but could not guide the ball in.

Elvis Rupia punished the 2009 league champions three minutes after the restart as the defenders failed to clear their lines on time.

In the 55th minute, the towering attacker was at it again before sealing his hat trick in the 61st minute. It was his sixth goal in the three games played.

In another match, Tusker FC jump started their season with a 5-2 win over Western Stima. The Brewers had managed to get just one point from their opening two league games.

David Majak and Jackson Macharia scored a brace for the Robert Matano charges with Eugene Asike scoring another goal.

Goalkeeper Samuel Odhiambo scored the hosts’ two goals from the penalty spot.

Elsewhere, Kariobangi Sharks were held to a 2-2 draw against Bidco United. The Thika-based charges scored their goals through Pitson Mutamba and Nelson Chieta while Erick Kapaito and Patrick Otieno replied for the hosts.

And in the highly expected match of the day, Gor Mahia opened their account with a slim 1-0 win over Ulinzi Stars at Nyayo Stadium. Jules Ulimwengu scored the lone goal for the champions.

Thiong’o impressed with team spirit at AFC Leopards

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Speedy winger Peter Thiong’o is happy with the camaraderie and drive at the AFC Leopards camp this season.

The youngster joined the second most successful club in the history of Kenyan football as a free agent following the lapse of his contract with Kakamega Homeboyz at the end of 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League campaign.

Thiong’o is itching to make his maiden debut for Ingwe after missing out to two consecutive fixtures for the 13 time KPL holders owing to tactical reasons.

However, the Kenyan international could soon make his famous, deadly runs on the right wing for Ingwe as the side takes on 2009 KPL winners Sofapaka in a crunchy tie scheduled for Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium starting 3pm local time.

Thiong’o is eager to be part of a team that is promising to deliver this season after joining his teammates in training this week for the assignments ahead.

Thiong’o states; “I’m very proud to have joined the team in training this week. I love the morale that I have in my teammates during our training sessions and the motivation from our last two wins.”

Leopards alongside Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) are the only sides that have collected maximum points at stake this season.

Ingwe came from behind to stun 2016 champions Tusker FC 2-1 in their 2020/21 BetKing Premier League opener last month.

Coach Kimani then guided the Big Cats to another glory against Bidco United, brushing aside the league newbies 2-0 last at Kasarani Stadium with forward Elvis Rupia grabbing a brace to go top of the scoring charts with 3 goals in two outings.

This encouraging display has further motivated Thiong’o as he looks forward to more wins at the club this campaign.

“Our target this season is to keep winning matches.” He concluded.

AFC Leopards are eager to break their jinx in the country’s top tier league after going two decades without lifting the crown.

Leopards claw Bidco to go second as Sofapaka switch off Stima

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AFC Leopards jumped to the second position in the BetKing Premier League after a 2-0 win over promoted Bidco United on Sunday.

Ingwe had come into the match hoping to get something from the team that had drawn 0-0 away to Western Stima in their opening league game.

The 13-time champions opened the scoring in the 70th minute as the opponents defenders slept on the job with former Wazito FC striker Elvis Rupia pouncing on a loose ball to score the opener.

Rupia was at it again, this time getting around the defenders before chipping the ball past the stranded goalkeeper. It was a deserved goal for the striker who looked determined the whole afternoon. It was his third goal in two league matches.

In another league match, Sofapaka defeated Western Stima to record their first three points after opening day 1-0 loss to Bandari.

Batoto ba Mungu scored their first goal in the 30th when Elly Asieche capitalised on poor defending. The midfielder doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 79th minute.

Samuel Abawa Odhiambo halved the deficit from the penalty as well moments later, but in the dying minutes, veteran forward Kepha Aswani sealed the Sofapaka win with a third goal.’

Elsewhere, Tusker FC and Bandari FC settled for a goalless draw.

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