AFC Leopards have finished third in the Shield tournament after a 5-4 win in post-match penalties in the playoffs staged at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Saturday 20 October.
The regular 90 minutes of what was third meeting between AFC Leopards and Ulinzi Stars in 2018 ended in a 1-1 draw. In the previous two meetings, the Soldiers had won the second leg league meeting played on 30 September 2-1. It was a revenge of the first leg 2-1 loss to Leopards in Thika.
In the match that kicked off at 12 PM, there were minimal chances created in the first half. In the earlier stages of the match, the two teams were cautious with the highlight of the half being Marvin Nabwire’s goal was ruled out after he was adjudged to be offside.
In the final half, several chances were squandered at either ends before Ulinzi Stars managed to break the deadlock at the 73rd minute. Former AFC Leopards midfielder Bernard Ongoma gave the Nakuru based side a 1-0 lead from the penalty spot.
The lead, however, lasted for only nine minutes before AFC Leopards leveled the scores through Eugene Mukangula. After failure to add goals in the final six minutes, the clash had to be decided by penalties. In the penalties, Ezekiel Odera, Victor Majid, Salim Abdalla, Eugene Mukangula scored for Leopards while Isaac Oduro missed one penalty.
Ulinzi had George Omondi, Oliver Rutto, and Enosh Ochieng scoring while Abdalla Hamisi and Daniel Waweru missed their kicks.
A third place finished will now earn AFC Leopards 750000 while the soldiers have pocketed 500000.
AFC Leopards Starting Squad: Owade Ezekiel, Sikhayi Dennis, Oduro Isaac, Oruchum Christopher, Salim Abdallah, Majid Victor, Marita Brian, Omondi Marvin, Seda Ezekiel, Mukangula Eugene, Odera Ezekiel
Subs Mukolwe Edwin Saad Musa Kibwage Mike Tsuma Said Isuzza Whyvonne Omondi Ray Okaka Aziz
Ulinzi Stars Starting XI: James Saruni (GK) (C), Hamisi Abdalla, George Omondi, Boniface Andayi, Oliver Ruto, Bernard Ongoma, Daniel Waweru, Churchill Muloma, Omar Boraafya, Elvis Nandwa, Elijah Mwanzia.
Subs: Timothy Odhiambo, Cylus Shitote, John Kago, Ibrahim Shambi, Masita Masuta, Enosh Ochieng, Oscar Injika