- Tusker face Sofapaka at Ruaraka
- They are second in the standings
- Leaders Gor Mahia will play Sharks
FKF Premier League defending champions Tusker FC will look to keep their winning run on Sunday when they take on Sofapaka at their Ruaraka Complex backyard.
The brewers are unbeaten in their last five with three wins and two draws and are keen to bank on another victory at home to keep the gap between them and leaders Gor Mahia manageable.
Tusker saw off AFC Leopards 1-0 in midweek to ensure they keep chase of the top spot and head coach Robert Matano says he is keen to see his side bank another victory against a tough side.
“I was very impressed with the match against Leopards, winning it in the last minute. It showed character and fighting spirit from the players. We outmatched them in everything and it was great to come off with a win,” Matano said.
He added; “We want to keep that winning momentum going. Winning against a team that’s also in the title race is a good thing for us because it gives us a lot of motivation.”
Last minute goal
Stewart Omondi celebrates his last minute winner against AFC Leopards
Against Leopards, Stewart Omondi scored in the last minute with a sumptuous swinging volley, finishing off a cross from Lawrence Luvanda.
The goal came at the end of a brilliant build up play from Tusker, the goal being the 21st touch of the ball from the goalkeeper.
And now, Matano wants to see them same hunger against Sofapaka.
“It will be another tough match because Sofapaka have been coming up very well in their last few matches. We need to make sure that we kill the game early enough and take our chances,” the coach said.
Batoto ba Mungu are on 26 points from 21 matches. They have won two and drawn two of their last five matches and picked up a point against leaders Gor in midweek.
First leg ended 1-0 for Tusker
Sofapaka’s Sunday Ikekhai tracked down by Tusker’s Jimmy Mbugua
The first leg between these two sides ended in a 1-0 victory for the Brewers. Ties between the two sides have been close. In 28 meetings between the two sides since 2009, Sofapaka has won nine matches and Tusker eight, with the rest ending in draws. Four of the eight wins for Sofapaka have come away from home. However, Sofapaka has not beaten Tusker since they won 5-4 in Machakos in March 2018.
Meanwhile, leaders Gor Mahia will be taking on Kariobangi Sharks at the Kasarani Stadium and a drop in points in this match for K’Ogalo will be more than welcome news for Tusker if they win against Sofapaka.
Gor Mahia’s last match was a 0-0 draw with Sofapaka at the same venue, their third draw in five matches which should raise some concern for head coach Jonathan McKinstry.
Sharks, placed seventh in the standings, have won three of their last five matches, and are unbeaten in the last four. A win against Gor will pull them closer to the top five.
The first leg between these two sides ended in a 1-1 draw. Of 14 meetings between the two sides, Gor have the upper hand having won eight, with Sharks winning four. Two have ended in draws.
Sunday fixtures:
Nairobi City Stars vs Posta Rangers (Police Sacco Stadium), Nzoia Sugar vs Bidco United (Sudi Stadium), Ulinzi Stars vs KCB (Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang’ata), VIhiga Bullets vs Mathare United (Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega, 1pm), Kakamega Homeboyz vs Bandari FC (BUkhungu Stadium, 3:15pm), FC Talanta vs Wazito FC (Ruaraka Complex, 1pm), Tusker FC vs Sofapaka (Ruaraka Complex, 3:15pm), Kenya Police vs AFC Leopards (Nyayo National Stadium), Gor Mahia vs Kariobangi Sharks (Moi Sports Centre Kasarani).
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