Ulinzi Stars will be angling to inflict sweet revenge on Tusker when the two teams lock horns in a return Football Kenya Premier League match at the ASK Showground in Nakuru this evening.

During a tactically-filled game in Ruaraka last Saturday, Ulinzi matched Tusker strength for strength only to fall 2-0 in the latter stages, thanks to second half goals by substitutes Jackson Macharia and Shami Kibwana.

Ulinzi head coach Benjamin Nyangweso was made to rue defensive errors and lack of sharpness in the final third as his team lost the encounter.

“That was a match we should not have lost and it is up to us to be efficient in the reverse fixture. We created a litany of chances which went to waste and we cannot afford to repeat the mistake,” said Nyangweso.

Added Nyangweso: “With the support of our fans, we are going to do everything possible to bring down Tusker but all this will boil down to all the players I will field giving a hundred percent in terms of performance.”

Known for their penchant to play with nerves of steel in their backyard, Ulinzi have players capable of doing the job against Tusker, among them, Mark Bikokwa, Masita Masuta, Kevin Ouma and Oscar Wamalwa.

In the meantime, Tusker’s holding midfielder Humphrey Mieno says the team expects a tough challenge but believes they have enough confidence to withstand the pressure and subsequently return to Nairobi with maximum points.

Mieno says Tusker is being carried on by the confidence after earning 10 points over the last four matches out of a possible 12 and reiterates they are not ready to let their guard down.

Right track 

“We had been struggling to get back-to-back wins but now that we have managed to balance on the right track. We need to take game at a time and maintain our focus.

“It will be a tough challenge against Ulinzi because they have always been a difficult opponent. They have been changing their style of play to try and keep more of the ball in possession and play short passes, but we’ll take them head on,” said the midfielder.

Looking back at the run of the last four matches, Mieno has lauded the team for their effort and fighting spirit.

“Getting 10 points from the last four matches is a huge boost to the team,” he said.

 because we had been struggling to get results but now I believe we are on the right track. We need to take each game at a time and maintain our focus and if we win,  it should not get into our heads,” he said.

“We are now just looking at doing well in each subsequent game and slowly we are getting the confidence needed. I believe we are now more solid defensively and that is an attribute that has made us stronger as a team.”