Mara Sugar pulled off a stunning 2-0 victory over AFC Leopards at the Awendo Green Stadium, ending the Ingwe’s 14-match unbeaten run and denying them a chance to move to the top of the standings. The win was a crucial boost for Mara Sugar, who had drawn their previous three matches and were under pressure to deliver a result.
The breakthrough came late in the game, with Dennis Cheruiyot scoring in the 88th minute and again in stoppage time, capitalizing on Leopards’ inability to convert numerous chances despite dominating possession for large parts of the match. The result showcased Mara Sugar’s resilience and tactical discipline under the guidance of head coach Edward Manoah.
Manoah explained that careful observation of Leopards’ strategy allowed his team to exploit gaps during counter-attacks. “We changed our formation after they made substitutions. They brought on several attackers, leaving only two at the back, and we instructed Dennis to take advantage of any loose balls,” he said. This strategic adjustment proved decisive, as Cheruiyot’s pace and timing allowed Mara Sugar to punish the visitors’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Despite the triumph, Manoah acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in the second half. “We won, but I am not satisfied with our second-half display. We need to be better. We will review the footage and focus on areas where we can improve,” he added. He also highlighted that the team’s lack of experience at the top level has sometimes affected performance, noting that players like David Omondi are still adjusting to the pressures of high-level competition despite their technical ability.
The victory provides a significant morale boost for Mara Sugar, who had been on a three-game winless streak prior to this match. Manoah emphasized the importance of using this momentum to build confidence for future fixtures.
Looking ahead, Mara Sugar will face KCB in their next league encounter following the conclusion of the international break. If they can maintain the composure and tactical discipline displayed against AFC Leopards, they could continue to climb the league table and assert themselves as serious contenders this season
