Champions Gor Set For Tusker Date, AFC Leopards Host Bandari

NAIROBI, Kenya- Tusker FC will be out to halt Gor Mahia FC’s three-month SportPesa Premier League (SPL) unbeaten run when the two teams battle it out at the Kenyatta Stadium on Saturday.

Seventh-place Tusker (35) have also not lost in their last five matches but will need to be on top form if they are to contain leaders Gor (52), as they continue to seek their top five target.

Gor opened a four-point gap at the helm of the SPL table on Thursday afternoon after they were granted a walkover as opponents Mt. Kenya United FC failed to show up.

Gor, who made history as they became the first East African club to reach the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederations Cup, have had to play three games in a week with the club citing fatigue as an issue.

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Following two successive draws against Kakamega Homeboyz FC and Ulinzi Stars FC, the champions returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win against third-place Bandari FC (45) on Tuesday.

Coach Hassan Oktay called Thursday’s walkover a blessing in disguise, with his team getting a rare opportunity to rest and a free three points to aid in their quest for an unprecedented 18th league crown.

“This is good. We can’t complain at all after picking up three points just like that.

“We are playing so many games and the players are tired. Now we rest and focus on Saturday’s game which is a big one. We will be ready,” Oktay told SportPesa News.

The highlight fixture will be preceded by the first of the double-header pitting fourth place Homeboyz (41) as they tackle newcomers Kenya Commercial Bank FC (29).

Gor will travel to Nakuru on Monday for yet another match in their hectic week with a match against Ulinzi at the Afraha Stadium on the cards.

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Homeboyz have proved to be the shock inclusion in the SPL top five courtesy of a scintillating run of matches that has seen them go eight matches unbeaten.

Harambee Stars international Allan Wanga remains instrumental to Nicholas Muyoti’s side as he leads the SPL Golden Boot race with 15 goals, one ahead of Ulinzi’s Enosh Ochieng’.

Second-place Sofapaka FC (48) also face a tricky test in Machakos on Sunday in the first of another double header as they take on 2008 league champions Mathare United FC (39).

Sofapaka remain the favorites, boasting an 11-match unbeaten streak and if they drop points, they will merely be giving Gor the advantage in their course for a third successive SPL title.

Immediately after, 10th place AFC Leopards SC will host Bandari as they seek to continue their steady rise up the SPL table.

Leopards failed to beat 10-man Kariobangi Sharks FC (33) on Wednesday at the Kasarani Stadium, both teams settling for a 1-1 draw courtesy of a 92nd minute George Abege goal.

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The only other match slated for Sunday is a bottom of the table clash as Zoo FC (20) host unstable tail-enders Mt. Kenya (15).

SPL WEEKEND FIXTURES (All matches kick-off at 2pm unless stated)

SATURDAY

Chemelil Sugar FC vs Nzoia Sugar FC – Chemelil Sports Complex – 1pm

KCB FC vs Kakamega Homeboyz FC – Kenyatta Stadium

Kariobangi Sharks FC vs Posta Rangers FC – Kasarani Stadium- 3pm

Western Stima FC vs Sony Sugar FC – Moi Stadium- 3pm

Tusker FC vs Gor Mahia FC – Kenyatta Stadium- 4:15pm

SUNDAY

Sofapaka FC vs Mathare United FC – Kenyatta Stadium

Zoo FC vs Mt. Kenya United FC – Kericho Green Stadium- 3pm

AFC Leopards SC vs Bandari FC – Kenyatta Stadium- 4:15pm

MONDAY

Ulinzi Stars FC vs Gor Mahia FC – Afraha Stadium- 3pm