Murang’a Seal shock AFC Leopards with goalless draw in FKF Premier League

Murang’a Seal shock AFC Leopards with goalless draw in FKF Premier League

The draw leaves AFC Leopards missing the chance to climb into the top positions, though the point keeps them within reach of the leading pack.

AFC Leopards were forced to settle for a goalless draw against a spirited Murang’a Seal at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, in a match that saw chances, heavy midfield battles, and missed opportunities, but no breakthrough.

The result, combined with Kenya Police’s 2–1 victory over Tusker in Murang’a, wrapped up an action-packed weekend of FKF Premier League fixtures.

The contest at Nyayo Stadium started with Murang’a Seal showing early intent, exploiting wide channels through Osama, Joe Waithera, and Owen. Their movement unsettled Leopards, who struggled to find rhythm in the opening exchanges.

At the other end, AFC’s James Kinyanjui produced a promising run in the ninth minute, but his delivery into the box was cleared, sparking a Seal counter that almost found Osama through Owen’s quick pass.

AFC came closest in the first half through Vincent Mahiga, whose 13th-minute freekick sailed over the bar, and later through Samuel Ssenyonjo, who connected with a Kinyanjui corner but headed narrowly wide.

Seal responded with one of the half’s biggest moments when Lucas Maina found Osama, who rounded the goalkeeper only for a retreating defender to clear off the line.

Seal enjoyed the better spells of possession, forcing Leopards into repeated defensive work. Telvin’s yellow card in the 18th minute did little to disrupt their rhythm, as they continued to threaten down the flanks.

The half ended with both sides trading rapid attacks — Owen orchestrating Seal’s buildup, Haki skied a good chance, and Kinyanjui losing possession at the edge of the Seal box — closing out a lively 0–0 first half.

Leopards made attacking changes immediately after the restart, introducing Chris Koloti and Ronald Sichenje in an attempt to wrest control of the match.

Sichenje’s impact was almost instant, driving forward twice, though Seal goalkeeper Ongiri was alert to smother danger. Murang’a responded with a triple substitution, bringing in Mwaniki, Omondi, and Saenyi to inject fresh movement into their forward line.

Further changes came in the 71st minute, with Masaba and Victor Otieno replacing Kinyanjui and Madada. Still, it was Seal who created the clearest late chances. Substitute John Kiplangat twice found himself in goal-scoring positions soon after coming on, but sent both efforts over the bar. His third attempt, moments later, also went to waste, highlighting Seal’s frustrations in front of the goal.

Despite substitutions and late pressure from both sides, neither team could produce a decisive moment, and the match ended 0–0.

At the SportPesa Arena, defending champions Kenya Police returned to winning ways with a 2–1 victory over Tusker. Police struck twice in the first half through Eric Zakayo and David Simiyu, asserting control early and exploiting Tusker’s vulnerabilities in transition.

Tusker improved after the break, pulling one back through Eric Kapaito, who converted a penalty. However, despite late pressure, the Brewers could not find an equaliser, with Police holding firm to claim three valuable points.

The draw leaves AFC Leopards missing the chance to climb into the top positions, though the point keeps them within reach of the leading pack. Murang’a Seal, who showed improved structure and resilience, remain in the lower half but will take confidence from a disciplined away performance.

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