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AFC Leopards had Brian Yakhama’s penalty to thank as it eased them to a 1-0 victory over Nzoia Sugar to end their winless start to the campaign
AFC Leopards finally ended their winless run in the Football Kenya Federation following a narrow 1-0 victory against Nzoia Sugar at a rain-soaked Sudi Stadium in Bungoma on Sunday.
Brian Yakhama scored the lone goal from the penalty spot in the 34th minute and Ingwe held on until the final whistle for their maiden victory of the campaign.
Cliffton Miheso was brought down in the box when the referee pointed to the spot and Yakhama stepped up to send the ball in the top left corner.
Ingwe had asked the early questions through Luke Namanada but his effort was cleared out in a first half that did not have many chances.
Leopards went to the break leading and opted to protect their lead rather than open up by attacking further with new coach Tomas Trucha making a double change on the hour mark to further solidify his side.
Long-time injury absentee Victor Omune finally returned to action, replacing Jaffari Owiti, while Cliff Nyakeya went off for Victor Otieno before the attack-minded Kevin Kimani was also taken off for defensive midfielder and former Nzoia man Boniface Muneyndo.
The substitutions locked the Leopards midfield, making Nzoia’s life difficult as Trucha picked his first win in his second match, after starting his second stint at the club with a 1-0 loss to Bandari FC last week.
The win saw Leopards move from 17th position to 15th on the log with seven points having endured a tough run that included four draws and three defeats, including the last two in a row.
Defeat extends Nzoia’s winless run to seven games and they have now lost five straight matches, having started the season with a win over Ulinzi Stars.
Godfrey ‘Solo’ Oduor’s men dropped to 17th on the log with five points from eight matches.
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