- Tusker trail leaders Homeboyz by 10 points
- Three draws in their last five matches have seen them drop lower
- They have not lost to Gor in the last three matches
FKF Premier League defending champions Tusker FC take on record champions Gor Mahia at the Thika Stadium on Saturday afternoon, their eyes focused on bouncing back to winning ways and thinning the gap between them and leaders Kakamega Homeboyz.
The brewers have dropped four points in back to back draws against KCB, leading to the gap between them and the leaders to extend to 10 points, the defense of their crown looking increasingly unlikely.
But Tusker can keep the pressure with three points, pending Homeboyz’s tie against Sofapaka at the Kasarani Annex on Sunday.
Charles Momanyi, a former Gor Mahia player who joined Tusker at the start of the season believes it will be a tough duel between the two sides.
“It will be a tough game because these are two big teams chasing for the title. But as a team we have prepared well and trained well,” the lanky defender told the club’s official website.
Tusker FC players celebrate their goal against Ulinzi Stars
Tusker have played once against Gor Mahia already this season, the two clashing in the season-opening FKF Super Cup which Tusker won on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.
But a lot has changed between the two sides since then, and this is expected to be a different ball game all together.
The record league champions have a slight head to head edge over Tusker in the last 27 meetings, having won 27 of those matches and Tusker winning eight. The remaining eight matches ended in draws.
Last season, Tusker completed a home and away double over Gor, winning both home and away legs 2-1.
This season on the standings, only one point separates the two sides, Tusker being second with 42 points and Gor are fourth with 41. Tusker have two wins over the last five matches while Gor have won three.
Tusker have not lost in 14 matches and in those, kept 12 clean sheets. Their only blemish has been draws against KCB and Kenya Police.
Tusker’s strength has been their defense and Momanyi has disclosed the secret that has enabled them remain tight at the back, becoming the league’s meanest defense conceding only 14 goals in 24 matches.
“At the back we always ensure that communication is constant. We have Matasi (Patrick) who is constantly talking to the backline and the four of us ahead of him also constantly talk to each other. Also, we correct each other immediately and move on and I think that has been the secret for us,” Momanyi said on the club’s website.
Tusker FC players celebrate David Majak’s goal
Ahead of the game against Gor Mahia, they will be boosted with the return of striker Ibrahim Joshua who missed last weekend’s game against KCB after late arrival from international duty.
The Tanzanian striker was called up by the Taifa Stars for the first time ever after a good first half return in his FKF PL debut scoring eight goals and hitting one assist.
His presence will be a major boost as Tusker look to bang in the goals and push Homeboyz.
They will however be without fullbacks Jimmy Mbugua (injury) and Isaac Kipyegon (sickness).
Meanwhile in other fixtures, Bidco United play Posta Rangers in the early kick off at Thika, Police FC host Talanta FC at the Kasarani Stadium while Kariobangi Sharks play KCB in the late kick off at the same venue.
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