- Tusker lead the standings on goal difference.
- Both teams have to win to keep their hopes alive
- Tusker have drawn their last two matches
Tusker FC and Kakamega Homeboyz are neck to neck heading to the last two matches in the run in for the FKF Premier League title. Both teams are on 57 points with the same number of matches played, but Tusker sit top of the pile on account of a better goal difference.
The two sides are in action on Sunday, Tusker playing away to Bidco United at the Kasarani Annex while Kakamega Homeboyz will be hosted by FC Talanta at Tusker’s home ground, Ruaraka.
Tusker go into the Bidco tie on the backdrop of back to back draws, playing 0-0 against City Stars and 2-2 with Nzoia Sugar to slow down their march to the title.
But, they will be looking to bounce back to winning ways and continue an unbeaten streak that trails back to January 16.
Against Bidco, they have posted identical 2-1 results in all the matches they have played since the Thika based side earned promotion last season.
Bidco’s David Gateri wins the ball ahead of Tusker’s Isaac Kipyegon
Last season, the two teams shared a win each. Bidco won 2-1 during the first leg tie at the Kasarani Annex, when they scored a last minute winner.
In the second leg played at the Utalii Complex, the last game of the season, Tusker came off winners with a similar result to go on and clinch the title.
This season, the first leg meeting between these two sides at the Ruaraka Complex ended 2-1, another replica of last season’s results. Ibrahim Joshua scored the winner after Nelson Chieta had cancelled out Shami Kibwana’s opener.
The brewers are looking to complete a double over Bidco for the first time.
“We are on the final path towards the title and this is the point where everyone has to work together. We need to fight for everything in these remaining matches. We have to fight for the brand, fight for the team and fight for our dreams,” said Tusker FC’s assistant coach George Maina.
“The mental strength of the team has been strengthened over the past few weeks and the focus is sharp. Everyone wants to be part of history and part of a huge work of success,” added the tactician.
Ahead of Sunday afternoon’s fixture, Tusker will be without Ibrahim and David Majak who are both out on international duty.
The team is however boosted with the return to full fitness of Lawrence Luvanda, with the two-week break having given the team time to recover and be fully fit for this afternoon’s crunch tie.
Homeboyz striker Michael Isabwa preparing to take a corner against Leopards
Meanwhile, Homeboyz are looking to bounce back against a side that inflicted on them their first and only loss at their Bukhungu backyard. The Premier League new boys were 1-0 winners in Bukhungu in the first leg and will be out to complete a double in Nairobi.
Ken Kenyatta and his charges are seeking a win to hoist them to seventh spot as they keep their dream of finishing in the top five in their maiden season alive.
Homeboyz come into this fixture fresh off a 2-0 defeat at the hands of AFC Leopards, a result that dented their ride towards a first ever title.
But Bernard Mwalala and his men are hoping to bounce back and keep their hopes alive.
A loss would be detrimental to their ambitions especially if Tusker win at the Annex.
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