Why AFC Leopards boss is happy with performance against Vihiga

After registering the 10th win of the season against Vihiga United in Mumias on Sunday, AFC Leopards head coach Rodolfo Zapata believes the win was as a result of excellent game displayed by his charges.

Ingwe won by a solitary goal scored at the 30th minute by midfielder Marvin Nabwire. The win sent the side to the fourth position on the Kenyan Premier League log.

Despite being happy with the display, Zapata feels that the side wasted many opportunities that would have seen them bury the game early.

“We played excellent game. We dominated the whole game and we were supposed to kill the game by scoring the second goal but we missed upto six chances. They pushed but we were able to control the game.” he said.

When asked about the weakness in the back-line, the Argentine defended his defensive record saying the number of goals shipped in have gone down ever since he took over at the club.

“We did not concede and that is the most important thing. And if you check my record we have not conceded so many in the matches that I have been in charge and that was my main concern since I took over in the midseason. My aim was to improve the defence and give confidence to the keepers,” he added.

Leopards will be back in action on Sunday against Mathare United.

Leopards are set to attend the annual Simba day celebrations and thereafter play a friendly match with Tanzanian giants Simba SC on the 8th of August 2018 at the historic National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
A contingent of 25 people is expected to grace the invite 18 being players alongside 7 officials. The two clubs who draw massive support across East Africa last met in August 8th 2016 at the National Stadium where Leopards lost 4-0 to the hosts.
With a much improved AFC Leopards, it is expected to be a thrilling game for both sides. Leopards now are expected in Tanzania on 7th August and later depart on 9th August, the side have also been given an option to play another friendly should the technical bench allow after the which they may be back on 10th August.
Image result for simba sc

Simba Sports Club is a Tanzanian football club based in Msimbazi Street, Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam. Their home games are played at two stadiums, Uhuru Stadium and National Stadium. Simba Sports Club is one of the two biggest football clubs in Tanzania, their arch-rivals being the Young Africans.

The club had several names during its history. When it was founded in 1936, the Club was called Queens, it was later changed to Eagles and Dar Sunderland, and in 1971 changed to its current name, Simba (which means Lion in Swahili).

Image result for simba sc

The Club is an offshoot of their rivals Young Africans. The highest level of success that Simba SC achieved was getting to the final of the CAF Cup in 1993,

when they lost to Stella Club of Côte d’Ivoire. It was the highest achievement on continental competitions reached by any Tanzanian team. One of the most memorable years for the club was 2003 when it knocked off the then-reigning CAF champions Zamalek of Egypt on their way to qualify for the group stages of the CAF Champions League. In the first round of that year’s competition, Simba SC eliminated Santos of South Africa.

 

Image result for afc leopards

Meanwhile AFC Leopards registered their 10th win of the season after beating Vihiga United 1-0 at Mumias Sports Complex on July 29th, 2018.

Mike Mururi was forced to make an early change as his striker Morven Otinya could not continue after a collision with an opponent in the 9th minute. Even after medical attention, the former Palos, Sofapaka and Nzoia Sugar could not continue and had to surrender his place to Bernard Ogot.

Barnabas Tiema also went down injured in the 14th minute under heavy challenge as he rose to collect aa pass powerfully sent into the area by Dennis Shilhayi. Fortunately, the keeper was not seriously injured and continued with the match. He kept off almost every attack launched by their visitors.

Image result for afc leopards

Victor Ademba sent his free-kick slightly over the bar after he was brought down just outside the area in the 18th minute. The hosts prodded the Leopards defends more and an error by defenders almost made them concede a goal. It is Dennis Wafula who has to blame himself for failing to score past Owade only in goal as he sent his shot over the bar.

The 2017 National Super League champions went down a minute after the half-hour mark as Marvin Omondi collected a loose ball just outside the box and sent a thunderous shot that left Tiema helpless thus giving Leopards the opener. Moses Mburu was lucky after committing a blunder inside his area allowing Chris Masinza pick the ball but the striker sent his shot just wide from the left-hand post.

Image result for simba sc

The win takes Ingwe to 39th point mark same as Bandari who defeated Kariobangi Sharks yesterday 3-0. Leopards will now shift focus to their next match against Mathare United whom they beat last time out 4-3 at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *