The bringing down of Tusker, the multi-time champions of Kenya, not only left KCB (Kenya Commercial Bank) the only side with an intact 100% record and comfortably at the top of the tame after three rounds, but also sparked the excitement that no team, no matter their reputation, was safe from the embarrassment of unexpected defeat in the Premiership, at least once in a while.

Tusker’s debacle in Naivasha, however, was a focus to AFC Leopards fans, only after they had clinched a thrilling 1-0 win over Thika United at the National Stadium in Nairobi.

The so-called “big guns” have all had a bit of a humbling. They include Sofapaka (beaten 2-1 by KCB), Mathare United (held to three straight draws), Tusker, and a pointless Thika United.

The unexpected scenario now is of KCB perched at the top of the table but one can almost “hear” the warning to the bankers from their adversaries: “you are next! [to face a come-uppance]”

The third match of the day ended 0-0 between Mahakama and Nairobi City Stars at the City Stadium and with the City Stars’ third point after three straight draws.

AFC Leopards 1 Thika United 0

Dimonde Selenge Mangili scored against the run of play in the 38th minute giving AFC leopards a great morale booster in their second match in the Premiership.

No one really got any chances in the second half and a dogged fight was concentrated in the midfield while defenders on both ends dealt with attacks mainly with hurried clearances.

But it was an improved overall performance by Leopards after their previous 0-2 loss to KCB.

“Frankly, we only managed to put together a team, literally moments before the league kicked off. We are building it and it looks promising. This is our first and very important win and we hope to continue doing better,” said Leopards coach Chris Makokha.

“Quickly the players are showing the right chemistry,” he added as he turned his eyes to immediate severe tests in the next two fixtures.

Leopards are back at the National Stadium on Wednesday night to face champions Sofapaka in a SuperSport “live” broadcast match under floodlights, kick-off, 6pm.

After that Leopards will play a similar fixture at the same venue against Tusker on March 17 before hosting the tough Western Stima in Nairobi on March 21.

Juma Abdallah, the beaten Thika United coach was not dejected despite going through the third match day without a single point. Their first match against Red Berets in Nakuru was not played due to rain, then the Thika team were ambushed in the backyard a week ago, crashing 1-0 to visiting Sher Karuturi, their bogey team from Naivasha.

“Today against Leopards the boys played better than last week,” said Juma.

“The results is something else altogether; what I was concerned about was that the boys played with the right tactics and they did. Conceding that goal unsettled us, but we picked it up after that.

“We shall be back to winning ways against KCB, despite their already famed form, and we shall launch back our campaign for a strong finish this year.”

Juma said Thika United were not suffering from the departure of many players to the Army [Ulinzi Stars] and the South African league. Other regulars are missing from the line-up.

“This has little effect. We may Denno [Dennis Odhiambo in South Africa] but that’s all. Haji Mwachoki is on the injury list, but we have men for the job if they focus themselves on the task.”

TEAMS:

AFC LEOPARDS - 16. Lawrence Webo: 5. Edwin Barasa, 6. Milton Milimo, 2. Gregory Matasio, 18. Franklin Osama, 4. Martin Imbalabala, 8. Samuel Misse, 21. Bernard Mangoli, 11. Itubu Imbem (13. Michael Karanja, 75’), 28. Peter Mwangi, captain (12. Omar Masika, 69’), 17. Dimonde Selenge Mangili

Reserves not used - Barnabas Tiema, 23. Amani Odenijo, 25. Geoffrey Omusula, 27. Joseph Odhiambo

Scorer - 17. Dimonde Selenge Mangili (38’)

Coach - Chris Makokha

THIKA UNITED - 23. David Okello: 2. Gene Maina, 8. Abdallah Abdallah, 12. Vincent Nyaberi, 28. Russell Kibet, 21. Michael Luvutsi, 13. Joseph Kuria, 19. Kepha Aswani (17. John Mwangi, 56’), 18. Ambrose Kamau (14. Francis Chege, 68’), 30. Juma Ali (20. Barrack Odhiambo, 71’)

Reserves not used - 1. Joel Petruro, 16. Jefferson Ominde, 38. Alfred Oduor, 6. Mike Bodo

Coach - Juma Abdallah

Referee - Eliakim Mbalilwa (Nakuru)

Sher Karuturi 2 Tusker 1

Buoyed by their previous week’s 1-0 win at Thika United Sher Karuturi brightened things at home in Naivasha when Jacob Omondi, their veteran striker recently recalled to the Kenya squad scored in the 30th minute. Another Harambee Stars man, the defender Jockins Atudo leveled for Tusker in the 43rd minute, heading home Victor Ali Abondo’s cross.

Allan Otindo scored the match winner in the 78th minute.

Mahakama 0 Nairobi City Stars 0

At the City Stadium, hosts Mahakama were held to a barren draw by Nairobi City Stars.

Both teams lost numerous scoring chances. Mahakama’s Clifford Alwanga and Benjamin Chaka squandered two open ones. Jimmy Bagaye and Francis Thairu for City Stars were in the best positions to score.