Levis Opiyo returns to send AFC Leopards packing from ODM@20 Tournament
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 09.10.25. | 17:13
Bandari will now face the winner between Gor Mahia and Shabana FC in Friday’s final, while AFC Leopards will settle for the third-place playoff against the losing semifinalist
Former AFC Leopards captain Levis Opiyo emerged as the hero of the day as Bandari FC booked their place in the ODM@20 Tournament final after knocking out Ingwe in a tense semifinal clash at the Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa on Thursday afternoon.
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The experienced goalkeeper, who once donned the Leopards’ colours, produced a masterful performance in the penalty shootout, saving Kelly Madada’s crucial spot kick, while James Kinyanjui, formerly of Bandari, sent his effort wide as the Dockers triumphed 4–2 on penalties to seal a place in Friday’s grand finale.
The encounter began at a high tempo, with both sides eager to secure a place in the final for the Ksh1 million top prize.
Leopards looked the sharper of the two in the opening exchanges, with Tyson Otieno and Victor Omune linking up well in attack.
However, Bandari custodian Opiyo stood firm, denying Omune from close range.
Bandari responded through David Sakwa, whose clever interplay with William Wadri almost bore fruit, but his effort rolled inches wide of Humphrey Katasi’s post.
Leopards continued to threaten through Elias Mugane and Madada, though their finishing lacked precision, allowing Bandari to stay in the contest.
After a goalless first half, the second period mirrored the same intensity, with both sides pressing for a breakthrough.
Wadri came close to breaking the deadlock for Bandari but failed to direct his header on target, while Kennedy Owino’s attempt for Leopards narrowly missed the target.
With neither team able to find the back of the net in regulation time, the match proceeded to penalties, where Opiyo’s heroics and Bandari’s composure from the spot made the difference.
The victory marked a perfect start for newly appointed Bandari FC head coach Mohamed Borji, who celebrated his first win in charge in dramatic fashion.
Bandari will now face the winner between Gor Mahia and Shabana FC in Friday’s final, while AFC Leopards will settle for the third-place playoff against the losing semifinalist.
