NAIROBI, September 19 – AFC Leopards are through to the GOtv Shield round of 16 after rallying a goal down to edge out National Super League side, Wazito FC 2-1 in a pulsating encounter played at Kasarani.
Elsewhere, Mark Barasa scored the winner as Nzoia FC stunned Football Kenya Federation Premier League side, Posta Rangers 1-0.
Bandari thrashed Bondo FC 3-0 while Palos eliminated Talanta FC 4-3 on post match penalties after the match had ended in a barren draw in regulation time.
At Kasarani, Joakim Omollo gave Wazito the lead five minutes after the break.
Things moved from bad to worse after Leopards right-back Edwin Wafula was then sent off for a second bookable offence in the 62nd minute.
A goal and a man down, Leopards looked dead and buried, but coach Zdravko Logarusic made two changes that started a stirring comeback.
On for Solomon Nasio, Dennis Dodi brought matters level 20 minutes from time after controlling Michael Khamati’s cross before smashing home.
Another sub Lamin Diallo sealed the win on the stroke of fulltime when he received the pass from the midfield to dribble past Wazito defence before slotting home for the winner.
Ingwe boss, Logarusic paid tribute to Diallo and Dodi for changing the game.
“It was not an easy game but from my players’ body language I saw something was coming as usual. We started the second-half badly but the players realised the situation was serious after I took risk in playing three defenders and three midfielders.
“The changes really worked because we started making some rotation and they gave us what we needed. Our problem is I have seven players on the bench but only one is fit the rest can’t play even 20 minutes,” the Croatian underscored after the win.
His opposite number, Frankline Obare was content with the outcome in a clash where his players were wasteful.
“We have also proved to them that we are good. Today they were lucky but I accept the defeat although concentration at the back cost us but I’ve leant a lot from the game.”
The quest for the CAF Continental ticket continues on Sunday with defending champions Sofapaka facing Administration Police whilst newly crowned SportPesa Premier League winners, Gor Mahia take on Ushuru FC.
Tusker will square it out with Eldoret based side GFE105.