AFC Leopards vs Talanta – Ten-man visitors snatch valuable point

Nyayo Stadium was abuzz as AFC Leopards vs Talanta locked horns in a season opening clash for both teams in the 2023/24 Kenya Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

After Gor Mahia failed to pick up all three points in their clash with Sofapaka, advantage fell for AFC Leopards to take an early lead over their bitter rivals on top of the standings.

However, a reduced Talanta side battled the host to a 0-0 draw to earn a valuable point off pre-game favourites, AFC Leopards.

FULL TIME

A goalless start of the season at Nyayo Stadium

AFC Leopards 0 Talanta FC 0#Betika #OursForever #INGWE

— AFC Leopards SC (@AFCLeopards) August 27, 2023

Let's look into how the match unfolded

AFC Leopards vs Talanta: All square at half time

Maxwell Mulili started in goal for AFC Leopards while new signing Yassin Sije headlined the attack.

The game started in difficult fashion for both teams with no clear cut chances created on either side of the goal post.

It was the visitors who grew into the game and threatened in the 31st minute when a good shot at goal hit the woodwork!

The home side tried to get their acts together and surged forward of their own but could neither find a decent opening.

The visitors stood firm, challenging the Leopards on all fronts that saw a keenly contested first half end goalless.

Reduced Talanta earn a hard-fought draw

Spurred by their first half performance, Talanta continued to impress in the second period.

AFC Leopards started controlling proceedings with a barrage of attacks that culminated with the visitors reduced to ten men from a dangerous foul in the 60th minute.

Advantaged Leopards attacked but the visitors stood firm, cutting out every danger.

The home side rang changes as they tried to get a goal to settle the affair, but all efforts proved little.

FC Talanta held on for a hard-fought draw to earn a valuable point off the host who tried all they could in their first game of the Kenya Premier League