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Midweek clash sees K’Ogalo seeking to turn around poor form as AFC Leopards face Shabana in high-stake encounter

Midweek clash sees K’Ogalo seeking to turn around poor form as AFC Leopards face Shabana in  high-stake encounter
A past FKF-PL fixture between AFC Leopards and Ulinzi Stars. PHOTO/AFC LEOPARDS
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FKF-Premier League champions Gor Mahia and archrivals AFC Leopards return to domestic action today in midweek fixtures after their much-anticipated Mashemeji Derby was postponed at the last minute due to a lack of a suitable stadium.

Gor Mahia face Kakamega Homeboyz, aiming to turn around a poor run of results that led to the dismissal of Brazilian coach Leonardo Martins Neiva after just six matches in charge. Assistant coaches Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael Nam will be on the touchline for K’Ogalo in this encounter.

Homeboyz come into the match off a goalless draw against Bandari in their last league outing. Last season, both fixtures between Gor Mahia and Homeboyz ended in stalemates — 1-1 in the first round and 0-0 in the return leg.

In the previous campaign, Gor won the first meeting 1-0 before Homeboyz triumphed 3-2 in the second.

Currently, Gor Mahia are 14th in the 18-team league with eight points from six matches. Homeboyz are two places above them, sitting 12th with nine points from nine games.

Meanwhile, AFC Leopards will travel to Gusii Stadium to take on Shabana, hoping to secure a win after their 1-1 draw against promoted side Mara Sugar in their last match.

Ingwe, who are seventh on the table with 11 points, face a Shabana side rejuvenated after their 1-0 victory over Murang’a Seal last weekend.

Shabana’s win lifted them to 11th place with nine points. The teams met twice last season, with the first game ending 1-1, while Shabana edged the second leg 4-3, a result that helped them avoid relegation.

“We know what to expect against Shabana; they’ve really improved and play very well. We will need to put them under pressure to get something from the game,” remarked Leopards’ coach Tomas Trucha.

“We must also be aware that their fans will come in large numbers to support them, they are playing at home, I am anticipating a good atmosphere but our focus is to win the game.”

In other matches, Tusker will host Mara Sugar, aiming for consecutive victories after their narrow 1-0 win over Nairobi City Stars.
The Brewers have had a mixed season, with three wins, three draws, and two losses, placing them sixth with 12 points.

Mara Sugar, on the other hand, are in excellent form and sit second on the table with 16 points, just behind league leaders KCB. They have registered four wins, four draws, and only one defeat so far.

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