Tom Ikara saved a crucial penalty to ensure AFC Leopards extended their SportPesa League unbeaten run to six matches following a thrilling goalless draw with 3K FC on Sunday evening at Moi Stadium in Embu.

Ikara, a new import this season for Ingwe, kept his fifth clean sheet after denying Glen Githinji from the spot in the second half.

The save ensured the newcomers settled for a point, with their own custodian, Edwin Simiyu, also producing a string of crucial stops to frustrate Ingwe and preserve the stalemate.

Just 30 seconds into the game, the hosts came close to drawing first blood after Danstun Barasa fired towards the Ingwe defence. The deflected ball fell into Sally Ally’s path, and he unleashed a top-corner effort, only for the woodwork to deny him.

However, the remainder of the first half saw Ingwe carve out promising opportunities, although their finishing let them down.

In the 12th minute, Tyson Otieno connected with a good cross from Fredrick Alushula, who had also tested Simiyu moments earlier. Otieno’s low effort, however, went straight into the goalkeeper’s gloves.

About ten minutes later, Ingwe fashioned another opening. Adama Kanteh, operating on the right, created a promising opportunity for James Kinyanjui inside the box before the latter cut the ball back towards Ronald Sichenje. He left the pass for Tyson, whose tame effort was once again comfortably gathered by Simiyu.

Ingwe threatened again in the 45th minute through Tyson, but Simiyu stood tall between the posts to keep the visitors at bay with an assured display as both sides headed into the break deadlocked.

The second half began with an exchange of early attempts. Ingwe captain Kayci Odhiambo, before being substituted due to injury, unleashed a thunderous strike that Simiyu parried away. Moments later, Javan Njue’s header came agonisingly close to putting 3K in front.

Five minutes before the hour mark, the momentum shifted in 3K FC’s favour when they were awarded a penalty.

Amir Ndune delivered a dangerous cross from the right, and Kevinluke Otiala was adjudged to have fouled Githinji while attempting to clear the ball. Githinji stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Ikara produced a magnificent save to keep the scoreline goalless.

In the closing stages, Nicodemus Omosete’s charges took control of the proceedings, launching several attacks in search of a breakthrough.

However, their efforts yielded nothing as both sides settled for a draw; 3K AFC’s third of the campaign and AFC Leopards’ fourth.

3K FC vs AFC Leopards: SportPesa League Round 6 line-ups

• 3K FC: Edwin Simiyu, Bernard Ngetich, Victor Matete, Daniel Wanjala, Timothy Isuza, Amir Ndune, Sally Aly, Datsun Barasa, Ian Owiti, Newton Njue, Glen Kariuki.
• AFC Leopards: Tom Ikara, Emmanuel Lwangu, Kayci Odhiambo, Fredrick Alushula, Tyson Otieno, Adama Kanteh, Ronald Sichenje, Kevinluke Otiala, Vincent Mahiga, Musa Oundo.