AFC Claws Gor mahia to move out of Relegation

It was sweet revenge over the weekend when AFC Leopards piped traditional bitter arch rivals Gor mahia FC one goal to nothing to climb two positions in the Kenya Premier League standings for the first time since the begining of the league. The only goal was initiated by Ingwe's match debutant striker Obadia Ndege in the 60th minute but last touched by Gor mahia's beaten up defender Solomon Nasio. Both teams had lived up to the billing of the much talked about city derby that drew the biggest crowd this year. AFC Leopards heavily reshuffled team included non first choicers like the dimunitive flanker Likono who combined very well with Harambee Stars trialist Denis Mukaisi upfront. But it was the brilliance and tactical display in the midfield of Ingwe's Captain Charles Okwemba that killed off Gor mahia's any chance of moving forward. He, as usual held the ball and allowed his strikers to do dangerous runs in Gor mahia's territory. The man of the match was however the debutant goal keeper Victor Omondi who made serious saves to deny Gor mahia an equaliser in both halfs. The over the moon and boisterous Ingwe fans who had thronged the stadium in their thousands danced round the picth severally before accompanying the Isukuti drummers to the city centre to celebrate the crucial win. At the Nation Centre, they danced around and chanted the famous "AFC AFC AFC" clarion call.The various news channel in the country headlined the win as a main item with some flashing the win as breaking news. Outside the pitch, bars and restaurants were filled to capacity by Ingwe fans clad in the now popular replica jerseys who celebrated over night. AFC now moves to position 14 out of 16 teams and more importantly out of the relegation zone. "We will strive to build on the win to climb further the standings" said AFC coach Nick Yahama. He said he is looking at finishing the league between positions five and ten with ten matches remaining. AFC meets KCB FC at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday the 15th August at 3 PM. (report on 10th August 2009)