AFC loses vital three points to Tusker FC

AFC Leopards lost three to nil against Tusker FC at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday 18th July 2009 in an exciting match that only Leopards lads should blame themselves for not winning despite being the better team. Ingwe created many chances upfront but threw them away including a late penalty that veteran Francis Xavier hit wide to the disappointment of thousand of Isukuti dancing fans who had thronged the stadium. Tusker's Jerry Santos put the brewers ahead in the 35th minute to snatch a lead at half time. A mis-judgemnt by Leopards goalkeeper Barnabas Tiema in the 48th minute gifted Tuskers Augustine Etemesi to put Tusker two ahead. Second half changes that brought in James Junior Kombo and Denis Mukaisi for Laurent Tumba and Imbem Itubu revitalised the midfield nearly resulting in a goal in the 80th minute only for the referee to call for an offside. But it was Francis Oduor's third goal in 84th minute that killed off the spirit of Ingwe fans who had hoped to dance to Isukuti drums in celebration after the match. New coach Nick Yakhama blamed the lose on lack of concentration amongst his players and promised to correct the mistakes during the next match against Sofapaka on Saururday 25th July at Kasarani at 3PM. AFC officials were also incensed with poor officiating where Ingwe players were hard-tackled infront of the officials but no card was issued. " A case in mind is when Charles Okwemba was knocked down by a Tusker player hurting him badly, only for the referee to wave the match on," said Duncan Angode, AFC treasurer. He said that AFC will lodge a compalin to KPL for biased and/or poor officiating. (report on 20th July 2009)