AFC Leopards down Tusker to reach Betway Cup semis
AFC Leopards captain Isaac Kipyegon (second left) celebrates his goal with teammates during their Betway Cup quarterfinal match against Tusker FC at Ruaraka grounds on June 9, 2021.
What you need to know:
- Tusker attackers then resorted to long range shots, but Oyemba denied them to keep Leopards' lead intact.
- Kipyegon would make a goal line clearance from a Macharia's strike in the 86th minute and Meja blew a late chance in the added time, shooting to the clouds as Leopards held on to record their second win over Tusker this season after beating them 2-1 in the league in November 2020.
AFC Leopards on Wednesday beat league leaders Tusker by a solitary goal to qualify for the semi- finals of the Football Kenya Federation Betway Cup at Ruaraka grounds.
Leopards' acting captain Isaack Kipyegon scored from the spot after Rodgers Aloro handled the ball inside the box in the 33rd minute of the game.
Following the slim win, the Big Cats have FKF Division Two side Equity FC to contend with in the semifinal over the weekend.
The John Baraza coached side had knocked out holders Bandari 1-0 in an earlier quarterfinal clash at the same venue.
Tusker FC keeper Robert Mboya is beaten from the spot by AFC Leopards' Isaac Kipyegon during their FKF Betway Cup quarterfinal match at Ruaraka grounds on June 9, 2021.
Just two minutes into the match, Tusker got a freekick which was neatly curled by Sammy Meja, but Leopards custodian John Oyemba parried the ball out for a corner, which didn't yield much for the brewers.
Minutes later, Kevin Okoth picking out leading scorer Henry Meja, but the lanky forward failed to trouble Oyemba after shooting wide.
Ingwe began finding their footing in the game after the first 15 minutes and Elvis Rupia headed wide from Austin Odhiambo's cross on the right flank.
In the 33rd minute, Aloro in an attempt to clear an aerial ball from the midfield handled the ball leading to the penalty, which Kipyegon easily slotted into the far corner, sending Tusker custodian Robert Mboya the wrong way.
AFC Leopards captain Isaac Kipyegon celebrates his goal during their Betway Cup quarterfinal match against Tusker FC at Ruaraka grounds on June 9, 2021.
Tusker almost replied in 37th minute, Boniface Muchiri's superb footwork saw him get past the defensive duo of Clyde Senaji and Lewis Bandi, but Oyiemba produced a fine save to deny him from a tight angle.
Leopards survived again in the 42 minute as Luke Namanda missed a clear chance, shooting inches wide with an empty net after Oyemba had come out of his line.
Determined to stay in the competiton, the 11 time League champions picked from where they left after the break with Mejja's long range shot going over the bar in the 55th minute.
AFC Leopards' Lewis Bandi (left) vies for the ball with Tusker FC's Kevin Okoth during their FKF Betway Cup quarterfinal match at Ruaraka grounds on June 9, 2021.
At the hour mark, Tusker coach Robert Matano made two changes as Humprey Mieno and Luke Namanda paved way for Eric Zakayo and Jackson Macharia.
His opposite number, Patrick Aussems brought in Jaffer Owiti for Harrison Mwendwa to add power upfront in the 65th minute as Rupia look outnumbered by Tusker defender. However, he limped off later and his place taken up by youngster Dancun Sunguti.
Tusker attackers then resorted to long range shots, but Oyemba denied them to keep Leopards' lead intact.
Kipyegon would make a goal line clearance from a Macharia's strike in the 86th minute and Meja blew a late chance in the added time, shooting to the clouds as Leopards held on to record their second win over Tusker this season after beating them 2-1 in the league in November 2020.
