Ingwe defeated Ulinzi Stars in their first match of 2024 played at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
AFC Leopards needed a first-half goal courtesy of midfielder Mousa Oundo to sink Ulinzi Stars 1-0 in an FKF Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
Despite being the dominant side throughout the fixture, it was Oundo well nodded strike that was enough to hand Ingwe their third win of the season.
As expected, it was the home side who were on the front foot early on and the creativity of the likes of Clifton Miheso and Brian Yakhama caused Ulinzi Stars all sorts of headaches.
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But in spite of a few bright moments, Ulinzi Stars were resigned to half-chances during the opening stages as they struggled to find that perfect final ball.
Leopards nearly opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Miheso's well-taken cross hit the crossbar with Ulinzi Stars' custodian Michael Wanyika well beaten.
Two minutes later, Ingwe's efforts were finally rewarded when Miheso's delivery from a corner kick was headed in by Mousa Oundo to make it 1-0.
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Boniface Muchiri though, was showing just why he has six goals so far this season as he displayed a smart turn and shot which was impressively saved by AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo.
But at the other end, the pace of Hassan Beja was proving a nightmare for Ulinzi Stars to deal with and his doggedness was nearly rewarded at the half-an-hour mark but his shot went just centimeters out of goalmouth.
Moments later, Ulinzi Stars goalkeeper Wanyika who was replacing injured Stephen Ochieng had to come out and gather Jafari Owitti's dangerous curling cross.
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Stanely Omondi and Boniface Muchiri went close, but Bikokwa probably should have given Ulinzi the equalizer on the cusp of halftime.
Michael Onyango's perfectly weighted cross floated invitingly into the path of the lanky striker, but he completely miss timed his jump and saw the ball fly past his head with the goal at his mercy.
Ulinzi Stars tried to impress Ingwe after the restart as they looked to restore parity.
They pushed forward in numbers with their coach Antony Kimani having introduced Enosh Ochieng and Shannel Makwata.
The hosts were left vulnerable at the back and they were nearly punished by Bonifae Muchiri, who was sent through on goal in the 76th minute.
However, the former Tusker FC man was brilliantly denied by Opiyo from a one-on-one situation and Ingwe survived a scare.
Boniface Kweyu tried his luck from range in the 80th minute and the former Nzoia central midfielder placed his effort over the crossbar without troubling Ulinzi Stars Michael Wanyika.
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Leopards were able to hold on to their slender lead in the remaining minutes and ultimately, they emerged 1-0 winners over Ulinzi Stars.
How they lined up:
AFC Leopards: Levis Opiyo, Aziz Okaka, Kayci Odhiambo, Randy Bakari, Musa Oundo, Jafari Owitti, Boniface Kweyu, Brian Yakhama, Clifton Miheso, Hassan Beja
Ulinzi Stars: Michael Wanyika, Alex Masinde, Bonventure Muchika, Glenn Wafula,Michael Onyango, Dennis Magige, Issa Lumumba,Stanely Omondi, Mark Bikokwa, Boniface Muchiri, Nicholas Omondi