Humphrey Obina's wonder freekick was enough to hand Murang'a Seal a crucial 1-0 win over AFC Leopards in a league encounter that took place at the SportPesa Arena on Wednesday afternoon.
AFC Leopards’ ambitions to end their 26-year title drought took a hit as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Murang’a Seal in their FKF Premier League clash at the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a.
Humphrey Obina's spectacular 66th-minute free kick proved decisive, handing the home side their second victory of the season and leaving Leopards frustrated.
The opening minutes of the game saw both teams evenly matched, with Murang’a Seal getting an early chance on the counter, only for their effort to hit the side netting.
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AFC Leopards responded swiftly, and in the 18th minute, Clifton Miheso tested the Seal goalkeeper with a long-range strike, but it was saved comfortably.
Murang’a Seal earned a free kick in the 20th minute following a foul on the edge of the 18-yard box, but they failed to capitalise as the ball was easily cleared by the Leopards’ defence.
A flurry of action followed in the 23rd minute when Victor Otieno made a strong run down the flank, setting up the ball for Arthur Gitego, who missed the target. Boniface Munyendo and Samuel Semo both tried to capitalise on the chaotic situation inside the penalty area, but the Murang’a Seal defence stood firm.
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Leopards continued their offensive, with Miheso once again going close in the 27th minute. He connected brilliantly with a cross from Bandi on the right wing, but the Seal goalkeeper made a fine save to keep the score level.
As the first half neared its en Munyendo unleashed a curling shot from distance in the 41st minute, only for it to narrowly miss the target. The best chance of the half came in stoppage time when Ovella Ochieng’s powerful long-range effort struck the post, leaving AFC Leopards inches away from breaking the deadlock.
The second half began in much the same vein, with AFC Leopards pressing forward and looking for a breakthrough. However, they were caught off guard in the 66th minute when Murang’a Seal earned a free kick on the edge of the box.
Humphrey Obina stepped up and delivered a perfectly struck shot into the back of the net, giving the home side the lead.
Despite their efforts to find an equaliser, AFC Leopards were unable to break down Murang’a Seal’s resilient defence. Miheso and Munyendo tried their luck from distance, but the Seal goalkeeper continued his impressive form, denying them once again to give them the win by fulltime.
The defeat leaves AFC Leopards with much to ponder, as their quest to end their long title wait faces another setback.