AFC Through To FKL Cup Finals

AFC Leopards hammered the time wasting and injury faking Nairobi Stima two goals to one to secure a place in the finals of the coveted FKL Cup formerly known as the president's cup.The nerve breaking match that took place at City Stadium on Saturday 3rd October sealed the fate of the sturborn and sometimes irritating Stima side that had silenced Gor Mahia two goals to nil at the same venue. Stima saw the net first in the 27th minute through an own goal courtesy of a deflection on Zadock Shabaan. But their lead could not last for long as a brilliant shot by Ingwe's Congolese import Laurent Tumba put back AFC into contention. At the begining of second half, coach Nick Yakhama brought in the diminutive but lithal right winger Likono in place of Mulamba and heightened the pace at the front. While pushing for a second goal, Leopards smooth flow and sexy soccer was to be interrupted from time to time by the annoying Stima lads who had a penchant for faking injuries and time wasting. They had to earn three yellow cards for the same as the annoyed Ingwe fans started loosing their cool. Leopards strong character and wonderful tactics however paid off in 85th minute when veteran midfileder Francis Xavier headed home the winner. He had been suplied with a clinical pass by the man of the match Laurent Tumba who combined well on one two with his countrymate Imbem Itubu. Itubu also played well but lost several scoring chances that would have killed the match for Ingwe moments before half time. AFC will meet the winners in the second tie between Mahakama FC and Posta Rangers in the finals on Kenyatta Day at Nyayo Stadium. The winner of the finals will represent Kenya in continental championship next year. (report on 4th October)