AFC Leopards had a hard time against league debutants Talanta FC after they only managed to knick a draw in a hard fought game at Nyayo National Stadium, December 19th.
The game ended as a 1-1 draw putting Leopards in murky waters as they are now 2 points off the relegation zone. The draw is a blow to Ingwe's efforts of trying to climb up the table in a season they are massively struggling.
Ingwe had taken the lead in the first half when Daniel Msamali scored for them before they surrendered the slim lead after conceding a goal scored by Edwin Lavatsa.
Just like they did against the struggling Vihiga Bullets in the previous game, AFC Leopards were unable to hold onto the lead and ended up drawing a major setback in their bid to move up the table. It took the former league champions nine minutes to grab the opener when Msamali collected Brian Wanyama's cross and fired past Talanta's goalkeeper, Isaiah Wakasala.
Kingsley Olaniyi would have added the second for Patrick Aussems' side, but he ended up missing the ball that had been placed on his path by Peter Thiong'o in the 15th minute. The Nigerian came close to scoring again in the 18th minute, but Wakasala was equal to the task as he stopped the shot fired from a tight angle.
Gershon Likono of Talanta failed to score from close range in the 28th minute when he fired wide after he was put through on goal by Brian Yakhama.
Wakasla was called into action once more three minutes before the half-time break when he had to stop Lewis Bandi's effort at the near post. Changes were made by both sides before the break as Aussems, who was seen exchanging words with the assistant referee on a number of occasions as the match continued, brought on Saad Musa for Msamali.
Ken Kenyatta's change for Talanta saw him withdraw Yakhama and Likono and bring on Lavatsa and Francis Kahiro. Moments after coming on, Lavatsa got on the scoresheet as he directed the ball into the net after AFC Leopards' Levis Opiyo failed to collect a throw-in which hit the post and landed right in front of Lavatsa. As Ingwe surrendered the lead once more in the season, Talanta, with 4 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, picked up another critical point in their maiden campaign in the top-tier.
Elsewhere defending champions Tusker recorded their third win of the season after a 1-0 triumph over Nzoia Sugar with Ugandan striker Deogratious Ojok netting the lone goal at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.
The brewers were on a four match winless run where they failed to score, including during the two-leg Caf Confederations Cup assignments where they were eliminated on a 1-0 aggregate score by CS Sfaxien of Tunisia.
In other matches played on the same day,Wazito FC picked their second win in six games as they thrashed Mathare United 4-1 at the Utalii Grounds.
The national team Harambee Stars winger Clifton Miheso inspired newcomers Kenya Police to a comfortable 3-0 win against fellow debutants Bidco United at Kasarani Annex. Prior to the Bidco tie, Kenya Police had played out a 1-1 draw against money bags Wazito last weekend at the same venue.