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Ulinzi Stars 0-1 AFC Leopards: Rupia’s debut goal lifts Ingwe to sixth
The new signing finally got the last laugh after he had been denied on numerous occasions by a super James Saruni in goal
New AFC Leopards striker Elvis Rupia was responsible for a hard-fought 1-0 win against Ulinzi Stars in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) tie at Afraha Stadium.
Rupia scored the only goal of the encounter on a soggy Afraha pitch as the match was about to end to help AFC Leopards move up to sixth position.
AFC Leopards failed to make their chances in the first 20 minutes count as goalkeeper James Saruni stood firm to thwart any danger that was directed on his area.
Enosh Ochieng would have scored his eighth goal of the season were it not for Benjamin Ochan’s heroic save in the 28th minute. Ulinzi Stars’ good build-up which was engineered in the midfield resulted in Ochieng being put through on goal but the forward could not beat the Ugandan custodian in a one-on-one situation.
Coach Benjamin Nyangweso made the 34th-minute change when he brought on Ibrahim Shambi in place of Michael Otieno. The latter player could not proceed because of an earlier collision against Collins Shivachi which took a toll on him.
Saruni was called to action once more in the 39th minute when he prevented AFC Leopards forward Rupia from scoring his debut goal. Ingwe got close to breaking the deadlock but Saruni stood firm to thwart the danger presented by the visitors as he cleared the ball away.
Rupia had another shot on goal which was parried away again by Saruni in the 76th minute. AFC Leopards kept attacking but the hosts’ backline was alert to deal with any danger although a breakthrough occurred and the former Power Dynamos’ striker failed to plant the ball into the net with the most open chance for Ingwe in the second half.
Rupia scored his first goal for AFC Leopards since signing from Wazito in January in the 90th minute. The striker capitalised on a goalmouth melee to punish the Soldiers, and more notably goalkeeper Saruni who had remained firm for the better part of the game to deny him.
The win helped Ingwe harvest their 34th point but they remain below the Soldiers who have one more point after the conclusion of Matchday 19.
Ulinzi Stars XI : James Saruni, Brian Birgen, Harun Mwale, Bonaventure Muchika, Collins Andai, Boniface Onyango, John Kago, Daniel Waweru, Enosh Ochieng, Michael Otieno, Oscar Wamalwa.
Subs: Jacktone Odhiambo, Byron Odiaga, Ali Swaleh, Bernard Ongoma, John Njuguna, Ibrahim Shambi, Masita Masuta.
AFC Leopards XI: Ochan Benjamin, Collins Shivachi, Isaac Kipyegon, Collins Shichenje, Robinson Kamura, Said Tsuma, Senaji Clyde, Elvis Rupia, Vincent Oburu, Jaffari Owiti, Austin Odhiambo
Subs: Owade Ezekiel, Washington Munene, Hansel Ochieng, Marvin Nabwire, Saad Mousa, Bonface Mukhekhe, Eugene Mukangula.
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