League giants clash
By Dennis Mabuka, January 19, 2024
Gor Mahia versus Tusker FC will be the major highlight of the nine Premier League matches lined up across the country starting from today up to Sunday.
Before K’Ogalo and the Brewers face off in what could decide the destiny of the league this season tomorrow, matchday 19 action will kick off today with Sofapaka taking on Kakamega Homeboyz at Machakos Stadium.
This will be the third match that head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno will be taking charge of Batoto ba Mungu since he was appointed to replace Ezekiel Akwana, who was working on an interim basis. Otieno won his first game 3-0 against Bidco United before suffering a 3-1 defeat against the in-form Tusker.
While Sofapaka have managed two wins and lost three from their last five matches, Abana Beingo have won one, drawn one, and lost three. Sofapaka are currently sitting second from the bottom of the table with 17 points while Homeboyz is sixth with 28.
On Saturday, action will shift to the K’Ogalo fixture with the reigning champions seeking to stretch their lead at the summit and also protect their unbeaten start to the campaign. Speaking ahead of the game, Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry admitted their title credentials will be put to a huge test against the Brewers.
“Honestly speaking, it is going to be a huge game, it always is between us (Gor Mahia) and Tusker, and I anticipate a tough game, It will be an incredible match very different from what we saw against Kariobangi Sharks,” said McKinstry, adding: “Sharks like that pass-and-move tiki-taka game whereas Tusker are a little more direct. They like to get it forward to their forwards and look, Erick (Kapaito) is a top striker and they have got top players there.”
During the first round meeting, Gor Mahia emerged as 1-0 winners but Tusker have been in an incredible run with their lead striker Erik Kapaito leading the way with six goals in the last five matches. Tusker under Robert Matano are in a run of five straight wins that has seen them move to third on the log, nine points behind Gor Mahia. Since their 0-0 draw against Posta Rangers on December 10, the Brewers have gone ahead to win five matches – 3-2 against Bidco United, 2-0 against Nzoia Sugar, 1-0 against Kenya Police, 5-0 against KCB and 3-1 against Sofapaka.
Other matches tomorrow will observe Bandari taking on Kariobangi Sharks, Shabana eyeing their second straight win under Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo when they host Ulinzi Stars, and Kenya Police face off with Nzoia Sugar.
On Sunday, AFC Leopards will seek to make it three wins out of three against Nairobi City Stars. Since the 1-1 draw against Murang’a on December 20, Ingwe have secured maximum points – 1-0 against Ulinzi Stars and 1-0 win away to Muhoroni Youth. FC Talanta will be at home against Bidco United, KCB will host Muhoroni, and Posta will be keen to bounce back to winning ways against Murang’a.