AFC Leopards caged by Zoo FC in Mashujaa Day Cup as winless run continues

© AFC Leopards

FOOTBALL AFC Leopards caged by Zoo FC in Mashujaa Day Cup as winless run continues

Joel Omotto 18:30 - 20.10.2023

AFC Leopards’ desire to end their winless run received a setback as a second-string side lost to Division One side Zoo FC in the Mashujaa Day Cup in Kericho on Friday

AFC Leopards’ quest for a first win this season suffered another blow following a 2-1 loss to Zoo FC in the Mashujaa Day Cup at the Kericho Green Stadium on Friday.

Leopards, who were using the match to test some of their fringe players while giving minutes in the legs of those returning from injury, started the match well but ended up on the losing side.

Victor Omune, who is returning from injury, was a constant threat for Zoo with Len Lung’aho and Brian Mandela also troubling the home side in the early proceedings.

The first half ended goalless before Leopards went ahead in the 51st minute after Omune converted a penalty.

However, it took Zoo seven minutes to find an equaliser, the goal giving them the impetus, before they converted a 73rd minute free-kick to take a 2-1 lead.

The home side held on to claim the win and the Mashujaa Day bragging rights to leave Ingwe still searching for their first win this season.

Even though it was not a competitive encounter, Leopards were looking for a psychological lift after enduring a turbulent start to the season that has seen them fail to win any of their six Football Kenya Federation Premier League games.

That poor run led to the sacking of Tom Juma with Tomas Trucha appointed as his replacement and the Czech national has the difficult task of reviving their fortunes.

Trucha and his troops will be in Mombasa this weekend for a league clash against Bandari with the main team not involved in the match in Kericho to stay fresh for the league clash where they will be seeking to win for the first time this season.