AFC Leopards will aim to bounce back to winning ways when they take on struggling Kenya Police in an FKF Premier League fixture on Sunday.  

Ingwe suffered their fourth defeat of the season after a 2-1 loss to Shabana at Gusii Stadium on Wednesday, dampening their hopes of clinching the league title.

The defeat to Tore Bobe, courtesy of Brian Michira’s goal, left Ingwe in ninth position with 11 points from nine matches. Pressure is now mounting on coach Tomas Trucha to turn the team’s fortunes around.  

AFC Leopards have been winless in their last four matches, with their last victory coming on September 29, when they defeated Nairobi City Stars 2-1. Since then, they have drawn 1-1 against Kariobangi Sharks, lost 1-0 to Murang’a Seal, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Ulinzi Stars, and drawn 1-1 against promoted side Mara Sugar.  

Against Police, Ingwe will face another struggling side that has managed just one win from seven matches and is currently second from the bottom of the 18-team league table.  

Last season, the two teams faced off three times in both the league and the FKF Shield Cup. They drew 2-2 in their first league meeting before Ingwe edged out Police 1-0 in the reverse fixture. However, Police eliminated Ingwe 1-0 in the Shield Cup semifinals and went on to lift their maiden trophy after defeating KCB 8-7 on penalties, earning a ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup.  

Elsewhere, record league champions Gor Mahia, fresh from their 1-0 victory against Kakamega Homeboyz, will strive to make it two wins in a row when they face Mara Sugar. Mara Sugar, who are second on the table with 16 points from 10 matches, lost 2-1 to Tusker on Wednesday and will also be eager to return to winning ways.  

Meanwhile, Tusker, who defeated Mara 2-1, will take on Murang’a Seal. Tusker assistant coach George Maina expressed confidence in securing a second consecutive win.  

“We have prepared well for this game, and based on the good results we achieved against Mara Sugar, the boys are highly motivated and in good spirits,” remarked Maina.

“The international break allowed us to address a few weak areas and gave the injured players enough time to recover fully. I believe we are now in a better place.”  

On the team’s growing cohesion, Maina added, “The team has really improved in terms of understanding among the players. We had several new players join, and it sometimes takes time for them to gel, but now they have. They also understand what it means to play for Tusker and the demands that come with wearing this badge.”  

Tomorrow’s matches will feature FC Talanta taking on Posta Rangers, who defeated Bidco United 3-1 on Wednesday. Leaders KCB will face Bidco United, while Nairobi City Stars will host Bandari, who beat Homeboyz 2-0 in Ukunda.