Rupias goal the difference as Leopards lick Chemelil Sugar

Red-hot Elvis Rupia continued with his scoring streak claiming the lone goal to earn 10-man AFC Leopards a sweet but hard fought 1-0 victory over hosts Chemelil Sugar at Green Stadium in Kericho.

The former Power Dynamo and Wazito goal poacher picked a pass from Jafari Owiti outside the 18-yard box to shoot to the top left corner past goalie Kiptoo Daniel for the only goal in the match.

The tense tie saw centre referee Timothy Ongwae issue a second yellow card to defender Clyde Senachi in the 79th minute to reduce Leopards to 10 men, forcing them to retreat to defend their territory for the remainder of the match.

Rupia has now scored four goals since joining Leopards in the January transfer to replace John-Mark Makwata who joined Zesco United of Zambia., hauling his season tally to nine.

The win saw Ingwe hit 40th point in sixth position  to set a titanic Mashemeji derby against leaders Gor Mahia at MISC Kasarani on Sunday with only 11 points separating the two.

In the first stanza, Leopards were commanding possession with midfielder Austin Odhiambo, Elvis Rupia and Jafari Owiti causing all manner of problems to the Millers’ goalie Kiptoo.

Chemelil, fresh from suffering a 6-0 hiding in the hands of Kakamega Homeboyz, came back from half time to press Ingwe inside their half with goalie Benjamin Ochan being the busiest of the two keepers.

In the 48th minute, Onyango Maxwell lobbed the ball over the woodwork which could have been a simple equaliser for the hosts.

Chemelil’s danger boy Meja Derima will also rue a number of lost chances, but credit to the Ugandan goalie Ochan who pulled off a string of spectacular saves to hand Ingwe the maximum points.

 

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AFC Leopards Chemelil Sugar KPL Elvis Rupia Kericho Green Stadium

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