By John Nganga,

Visitors AC Leopards fought to a 1-0 win against their weekend Caf Champions league cup opponent’s Gor Mahia in a thrilling match at the Nyayo national stadium Nairobi.

The home team started on a high with Michael Olunga’s shot saved by the Congolese keeper  Massa Chansel just 23 seconds into the game.3 minutes later George blackberry Odhiambo shot but ball went wide .The home team was at
it again with the usual culprit Michael Olunga whose header was saved by the busy Leopards keeper for a corner with Dirkir Glay’s header hitting the crossbar from the corner in the 8th minute.

AC  leopards seemed to be under pressure   as the home team wasted  several chances from free kicks,with Walusimbi, George odhiambo and Michael Olunga being the main culprits.

AC Leopards first chance came in the 15th minute with a free kick that went straight into the hands of Boniface Oluoch in the Gor Mahia post.At the 45minute mark leopards again came knocking with their
captain Bhebey Ndey  header hitting the crossbar.

The second half started on a low note and in the 48 the minute, AC Leopards got their beautiful  goal coming from Cesair Gandze with a shot at the edge of the box past Boniface Oluoch .The game turned very physical with three
players getting booked  Khalid Aucho,Musa Mohammed  and Timothy Otieno  in the 51,58 and 68 minutes respectively.

The first substitute came in the 78 the minute Timothy coming off for Victor Ali  Abondo. The match went on with no serious attacks with most action being at the midfield.  AC Leopards had their first substitute with goalscorer Gandze coming off for Madilla in the 75 minutes gone.

George odhiambo also went off for Ronald omino.Gor Mahia got a chance with a free kick right at the edge of the box but Ali Abondo’s free kick headed out by Shakava. Leopards then made two substitute with Mukienga and Cisse coming in for Makiesse and Abouna respectively with few seconds left to the final whistle.

AC leopards have an away goal advantage going into the return match in two weeks time.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com