AFC Leopards out to extend unbeaten streak in tricky Tusker clash

Five crunch fixtures are on offer this Sunday in match week 25 of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL).

Third-placed Tusker are expected to lock horns with the daring AFC Leopards in what is arguably the biggest clash on Sunday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Fans have described the match as explosive with both teams looking to extend their fine runs in the league.

Leopards have not lost in the last nine matches while the brewers will be out to close the gap between them and league leaders Gor Mahia as they seek to reclaim their second position in the log.

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Tusker go to the game knowing Gor Mahia suffered their second defeat of the season after going down 1-0 to Bandari in an FKF Premier League clash at Mbaraki Grounds in Mombasa on Saturday afternoon, handing them a chance to move to within seven points of Gor.

A slip against Ingwe could throw them further down to fifth place if Posta Rangers win their match against Kariobangi Sharks and Kenya Police triumph against Muhoroni Youth.

Ingwe on the other side are on a high after beating Nzoia Sugar 2-0 last weekend to stretch their unbeaten run to nine matches. The last time Thomas Trucha-coached side lost a match was on December 10 when they were thrashed 2-1 by Bidco United at SportPesa Arena in Murang'a County.

Despite their impressive run, a loss could mean the worst to Ingwe for are gearing up for the 60th Anniversary. Leopards currently stand 7th in the log with 34 points. They are tied at 34 points with Kakamega Homeboys which will be battling it out with Ulinzi Stars on Sunday.

 A win for the Homeboys and a slip for Ingwe could make them drop to 8th position in the league standings.

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With a stern test at hand, Thomas Trucha is banking on Rwandese Striker Arthur Gitego who scored against Nzoia and assisted Hassan Beja's goal to inspire his side to a clear win against Tusker.

Gitego has been in perfect goalscoring form as he bagged a brace against PAC University in the FKF Cup round of 32.

"Let fans expect more goals from him in the remaining matches. He is a good striker," Trucha said ahead of the encounter.

“It's big one. Tusker is back on track with a very experienced coach always hungry to beat AFC Leopards,. For us is the match to see how far we are in our project and how high we can go on the log this season,” the tactician added.

Leopards captain Clifton Miheso expressed optimism that Ingwe would grab the maximum three points from the crucial encounter.

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"There are never easy games whether we play small teams or top teams and facing Tusker presents a challenging yet exciting opportunity for us.

We have shown this year we can do it and this game will be a test of our resilience against a top team. We will need to stay organized and capitalize on our chances to secure a positive result," Miheso stated.

Robert Matano's side on the other hand is relying on striker Eric Kapaito, who is currently placed fourth in the scorers’ standings, with the same goals as Police FC’s Tito Okello and one behind Bandari’s Francis Kahiro, to inspire them to grab maximum points against Ingwe.

“We have been working really well and pushing each other in training this week. They have a good run but we also have a good run and we have been preparing for a tough game and to get three points,” the striker stated in a pre-match interview.

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Tusker has been a better side in the recent fixtures against AFC Leopards. Ingwe have failed to win in their last five matches. Leopards last beat Tusker 2-1 on September 26, 2021.Both teams are unbeaten in the last 10 matches and have also conceded few goals. It promises to be a mouthwatering clash.

In the first leg held at the same venue, the match ended in an even draw with Leopards missing a host of chances.

Sunday Fixtures

Posta Rangers v Kariobangi Sharks (Police Sacco Stadium)

Kenya Police v Muhoroni Youth (Police Sacco Stadium)

Kakamega Homeboys v Ulinzi Stars (Mumias Complex)

Tusker v AFC Leopards (Kenyatta Stadium)

Nzoia Sugar v FC Talanta (Sudi Stadium)

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