GOtv Shield: AFC Leopards are 2013 Champions

#GOTV SHIELD 2013

FUTAA.COM WRITES:

AFC Leopards are the 2013 GOtv Shield Champions after seeing off their arch rivals Gor Mahia by a solitary goal in a thrilling match played on Sunday 17 November 2013 at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Former Thika United skipper PeterPinches Opiyo was responsible for the lone goal of the match in the 53rd minute after smashing home Noah Wafula's cross from the right wing after a dramatic run.

Both sides were brilliant in the first 45 minutes though AFC Leopards have enjoyed better possession in more than one occasion during the match so far.

Jerim blunder

Ingwe started on a high with Paul Were attacking in the third minute forcing Jerim Onyango to lose the ball but the keeper recovered to stop the resultant shot and send the ball out for a corner.

Gor Mahia responded through a brilliant run by Dan Sserunkuma who managed to penetrate theIngwe defence on several occasions though there was not ample time to shoot.

The match then turned into an end to end game into the 20th minute with veteran Charles Okwemba, Innovent Mutiso and Dan Sserunkuma all sending their shots wide after penetrating the defences.

Juma Abdalla should have opened the score charts through a freekick in the 28th minute but Jerim Onyango produced a brilliant reflex to stop the freekick mogul.

Wanga chance 

The best chance for AFC Leopards was in the 38th minute after Augustine Etemesi found Allan Wanga from the right wing but the latter's out-footer rolled inches wide under intense pressure.

Anthony Akumu should have netted in the dying minute for Gor Mahia but his glancing header from an Innocent Mutiso corner kick was stopped by Martin Musali who was quick to react and punch the ball away.

Gor Mahia returned for the second half with their intentions clear as Dan Sserunkuma’s low shot was easily collected by Martin Musalia.

AFC goal

This turned expensive for them as they left their defence exposed allowing Noah Wafula to make a speedy run through the right wing and set up Peter Opiyo who netted the lone goal in the 52^nd minute.

It was AFC Leopards however who had a chance to stretch their lead five minutes later with Wanga releasing Abdalla Juma but the latter’s shot is saved by Jerim.

Musa Mohammed then threatened the AFC defence in the 65^th minute tearing through to capitalize on a Musalia fumble but Etemesi was at hand to clear the danger.

Great subs

Noah Wafula again ran through the right wing in the 75^th minute but sent in a wayward shot as Wanga waited in the box.

Gor Mahia substitutes Edwin Lavatsa and Kevin Omondi were instrumental after coming on but neither managed to tear apart the tight AFC defence.

Another substitute Paul Kiongera came close in the dying minutes of the match but his acute angled shot hit the side net.

Oscar who replaced Noah Wafula in the match had a chance to stretch the lead in the 88^thminute after snatching the ball and running into the Gor defence but he produced a feeble shot that was easily collected by Jerim Onyango.

Sserunkuma who was heavily marked in the second half had a shot on target in the second minute of added time but the low shot was again collected by Musalia.

Set for continentals

Owing to the win, AFC Leopards have denied Gor Mahia a double this season after the latter won the Kenyan Premier League a fortnight ago.

Ingwe will now represent the country in the CAF Confederations Cup next year.

Follow the match updates by clicking on this link 

Written 17/11-13 17:10 by Wilson Mathu