AFC Leopards deny Tusker points to stretch lead in KPL table

AFC Leopards denied Tusker points to stretch their lead at the top of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) table after a 0-0 draw in Machakos.

The result means the Brewers will remain at the summit but with a point ahead of Western Stima and Kakamega Homeboyz. AFC Leopards are stuck at position eight with two less points than Sofapaka who are above them.

Tusker defender Rodgers Aloro was booked in the fourth minute after he recklessly stopped Jaffery Owiti who made his way into the box as AFC Leopards spent much time in their opponents' area.

David Majak failed to make Tusker's sixth-minute chance count as he fumbled with the ball after he was set through on goal by Sydney Ochieng. The South Sudanese forward was calmly dispossessed by goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan before he could take a shot.

After a fine first touch just outside the box, Jackson Macharia tried to find the top corner in the 36th minute but his effort flew slightly over the bar. Majak did well to beat a number of AFC Leopards' markers before putting the ball on Macharia's path but the final shot was a let-down with Tusker's confidence growing.

Austin Odhiambo could have given AFC Leopards an opener in the 48th minute but he fired wide from close range as he seamlessly entered Tusker's box.

After replacing Ochieng, George Odhiambo asked questions to AFC Leopards' backline but he was denied on two occasions by Collins Shivachi. In the first instance, Shivachi just cleared the ball before the former Gor Mahia forward pulled the trigger in the 75th minute from close range.

In the second instance, the fullback clinically blocked Odhiambo from having a full view of goal as the hosts upped their attacks in search of an elusive opener.

Ingwe stood their ground and finally managed to pick their 19th point of the season from the encounter.

AFC Leopards will host Mathare United on December 22 while Tusker will be up against Chemelil Sugar in their next assignment.

Tusker XI: Robert Mboya, Eric Ambunya, Marlon Tangauzi, Rodgers Aloro, Eugene Asike, Faraj Ominde, Humphrey Mieno, Sydney Ochieng, Jackson Macharia, Luke Namanda, David Majak,

Subs: Emery Mvuyekure, Sammy Meja, Hashim Sempala, Michael Madoya, Peter Nzuki, George Odhiambo, Erick Zakayo.

AFC Leopards XI: Ochan Benjamin, Shivachi Collins, Kipyegon Isaac, Senaji Clyde, Kamura Robinson, Tsuma Said, Owiti Jaffery, Mukangula Eugene, Ochieng Hansel, Otieno Austin, Oburu Vincent

Subs: Owade Ezekiel, Sikhayi Dennis, Munene Washington, Oruchum Christopher, Shichenje Collins, Marita Brian, Mukhekhe Boniface.