AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha has defended goalkeeper Levis Opiyo following a costly mistake in the recent Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia.
Opiyo’s error resulted in Austin Odhiambo scoring the only goal of the match, handing Gor Mahia a 1-0 win in the eagerly awaited contest at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
The mistake occurred when Opiyo lost possession while trying to dribble past two Gor Mahia players, setting up Odhiambo, a former AFC Leopards player, to seize the moment and score the decisive goal. This error is part of a pattern, as Opiyo has previously made significant mistakes in the Mashemeji Derby, heightening the pressure he faces in these fixtures.
Earlier in the season, another error from Opiyo allowed Benson Omala to score during the first leg of the derby at Moi Kasarani Stadium. Additionally, on June 2, 2022, during the 59th Madaraka Day celebrations, he made a mistake that led to a Gor Mahia equalizer, with Gor Mahia ultimately winning on penalties.
Following this latest incident, Opiyo faced significant criticism from Ingwe fans both in the stadium and online, with some advocating for his release when his contract ends this season.
Despite this, Coach Trucha has backed his goalkeeper, recognizing the error but emphasizing the team’s failure to capitalize on subsequent opportunities, especially after Gor Mahia was reduced to ten men. “He knows it was a bad decision, but at the same time, Levis isn’t why we lost. We should have made more of our chances,” Trucha stated.
Trucha highlighted the team’s unity and support for Opiyo, describing AFC Leopards as a family. “We are a family. I have one both at home and here. Everyone is my family member, and this is how we work, so when a goalkeeper makes a mistake, it’s visible, but he just needs another chance,” he explained.
This support from Trucha underlines the importance of team cohesion and resilience, suggesting that despite individual errors, the team remains unified and focused on improving as they progress through the season.
