AFC Leopards continued with their good run of form with a 2-0 win over Thika in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match played at the Thika Sub County Stadium on Saturday 18th August.
Nigerian forward Alex Orotomal and the evergreen Ezekiel Odera scored a goal each to win the match for Ingwe and ensure the team moves up the log to third with 48 points from 27 matches. Thika remain at the bottom with 20 points having played 26 matches.
Jafari Odenyi could have given AFC the lead as early in the 7th minute but he missed a free header after a nice cross from the right by fast rising youngster Marvin Nabwire.
Ondenyi continued to threat and he almost got a goal just two minutes later, his shot from the edge of the box hitting the upright after a clever pass by Ezekiel Odera.
Jafari was pulled out in the 22nd minute after he collided with highly-rated Thika United youngster Baraka Badi, Vincent Oburu taking his place. Thika’s first real chance came in the 41st minute but Michael Odongo failed to convert with just AFC Leopards custodian Ezekiel Owade to beat following an intelligent pass by the hardworking Heritier Luvualu.
Thika United custodian Allan Owiny pulled an incredible save just before the break to deny Ezekiel Odera as Ingwe continued to pile on the pressure
Thika brought in James Kinyanjui to replace the visibly tired Luvualu soon after the break. Nigerian International Alex Orotomal scored a beautiful goal soon after, beating Allan Owiny with a well taken volley after Brian Marita found him with a nice cross. Marita again provided the assist for Ezekiel Odera two minutes later as he headed in powerfully to make it 2-0.
Thika made another change, bringing in Peter Okoth for Valentine Nyadika while AFC rested Christopher Oruchum for Yusuf Mainge. However the changes changed little in terms of goals as it ended 2-0 in favour of Ingwe.