Leopards back on course

By Reuben Olita in Nairobi AFC Leopards SC has perhaps discovered the form that saw them dominate the local and regional scene with impunity in the 1980s before they went into oblivion. After waiting in vain since 1994, Leopards clinched the Moi Golden Cup last Wednesday and qualified to represent Kenya in next year's Africa Cup Winners Cup. AFC beat Mathare United 2-0 at Nyayo Stadium. They will strive to better their 1985 performance when they reached the semi-finals before losing to Leventis United of Nigeria. On Sunday, Leopards continued with their ascendancy when they beat Ulinzi Stars 1-0 in the premier league to consolidate their fifth position in the 20-team top league. Leopard's success was attributed to their enterprising youngster Justus Basweti who scored the two goals that floored defending champions Mathare United in the final. Basweti, the son of Leopard's coach Mickey Weche also scored the lone goal against Ulinzi. Oserian Fastac moved a step to clinching their first ever league title when they blanked Red Berets 2-0 in Naivasha to bring their points tally to 75 from 30 matches. Their chances were boosted further when defending champions Tusker refused to continue with play in Limuru against Kenya Commercial Bank claiming poor visibility. The two teams were 2-all and with five minutes to go. With 65 points from 31 matches, and lying second on the table standing, Tusker risks forfeiting the match, thus foiling their chances of clinching their third straight title. Oserian, with eight matches to complete their fixtures need to win four of them to be certain of the title. However, they may clinch it with more matches to spare depending on how their challengers - Tusker, Mumias Sugar, Mathare United and Leopards fair in their last games. ends