Models carrying the GOtv Shield title arriving at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 20 – Having been out of continental football for the last four years, Kenyan football giants AFC Leopards are back after veteran tactician Robert ‘The Lion’ Matano guided them to a 2-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks in the GOtv Shield final on Saturday. This is how the decider unfolded in pictures.
AFC Leopards team posing for a team photo before the match. Head Coach Robert Matano opted to start with Gabriel Andika in goal in favour of regular Ian Otieno. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
It was a sweet ending to the season for Leopards who have struggled to register positive results in the league this season and the title breaks a trophy drought that dates back to 2013, when they won the same crown with a 1-0 result over bitter rivals Gor Mahia.
Kariobangi Sharks starting line up that took AFC Leopards. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
Kariobangi Sharks are having a fine run in their Kenyan Premier League debut but they found the going tough in the GOtv Shield final, ending their fairy tale at the hands of a hungry Leopards.
Match officials getting ready for the big game. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
Being a public holiday (Mashujaa Day), AFC Leopards fans heeded the call by Matano to turn up in large numbers to cheer their team. Their turn up was not in vein as the players made them smile with a 10th GOtv Shield title.
AFC Leopards fans cheering their team. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
AFC’s trophy hunger was evident from the first whistle as they were relentless, in attack throwing pace and bodies upfront.
AFC Leopards captain Duncan Otieno tackling a Kariobangi Sharks player. PHOTO/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
Despite the rain, the coaches felt the heat.
Kariobangi Sharks Head Coach William Muluya. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
AFC Leopards Head Coach Robert Matano covering himself with an umbrella. He has now won all the football titles in Kenya. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
AFC Leopards defender Salim ‘Shittu’ Abdalla celebrating after nodding home a powerful header to hand Ingwe the opener. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
Peter Waweru, a lecturer at the Department of Pure and Applied Mathematics in JKUAT, was the center referee. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
A boy celebrating after Salim Abdalla’s opener. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
AFC Leopards fans celebrating. Photo/Raymond Makhaya
AFC Leopards forward Vincent Oburu celebrating after scoring the second goal for Ingwe. Oburu emerged the top scorer with six goals. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
AFC Leopards fans celebrating Vincent Oburu’s second goal. Photo/ RAYMOND MAKHAYA
The match cooled down the political temperatures, bringing together leaders from all political sides, Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja and Makadara MP George Aladwa. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
The GOtv Shield final was graced by Football Kenya Federation boss Nick Mwendwa. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
Football pundit and former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee having a chat with Coach Robert Matano after the match. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
The GOtv Shield being presented for presentation. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
GOtv ambassador and AFC Leopards fan Charles Bukeko AKA Papa Shirandula was in attendance. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
Kariobangi Sharks had to settle for runners-up position and pocket Sh1m. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
AFC Leopards players celebrating with the Shield. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
AFC Leopards captain Duncan Otieno being escorted out of the field by Ingwe supporters. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA