- AFC Leopards have not won a title in seven years
- They face Police FC in the FKF Cup semis
- Sharks play KCB in the early kick off
AFC Leopards will be looking to do a quick double over Kenya Police FC when the two sides clash in the FKF Cup semi-final at the Police Sacco Stadium. Leopards edged out Police when the two sides clashed in the Premier League two weeks ago, and now in an even bigger fixture, Ingwe hope they can complete another swoop.
Leopards are seeking to quench a seven-year title thirst, and victory over Police will take them a step closer to their target.
Captain Clifton Miheso has rallied the team ahead of the Sunday evening fixture, saying they are up to the task to battle for maximum points.
“We have worked hard to get to this point and need to bring our best game and give everything we’ve got on the field. Every player is fully committed to giving their best performance, and we are ready to face the challenge head-on,” the forward said speaking to the club’s official website.
His sentiments are shared by left back Vincent Mahiga, who says the players are pushed on by the allure of playing in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
“The match is a very important match for the entire AFC Leopards fraternity. It is a do or die match, a final before the real final. On my part, I urge my fellow teammates to give their all-in order for us to move to the next final step closer to winning the trophy, which is our main aim,” Mahiga said ahead of the game.
Leopards hope to complete swoop over Police
AFC Leopards striker Arthur Gitego celebrates his goal against Compel.
Ingwe will lick their lips ahead of the Police game, the latter having shown some signs of weakness in their last two games. After the loss against AFC, they were even softer against Tusker FC last weekend, losing 1-0, again courtesy of an error from keeper Patrick Matasi.
It is left to be seen whether coach Salim Babu will retain faith in the Kenyan international despite two costly errors that have led to back to back defeats.
Meanwhile in the early kick off, KCB face Kariobangi Sharks, with coach Bernard Mwalala hoping for success to wipe off the blushes of a hugely underwhelming season.
With only one win in their last five matches, coach Mwalala’s job is on the line, and his presence in the team’s dugout next season heavily relies on whether he can engineer Cup miracles and lead the team to a trophy.
The tactician says he expects a difficult outing when his side plays Sharks, but reckons they have prepared well and are angled for victory.
KCB pumped up in confidence
KCB players celebrate their victory in the semi-final
“We recently won against Talanta FC in the league giving us a massive morale-boost ahead of Sharks. We have prepared well for this fixture and I am sure the boys will play their hearts out for the badge. We intend to win this game and qualify for the final,” said coach Mwalala.
They have been boosted by the return of midfielder Brian Ochieng for the duel and coach Mwalala hopes his experience can help shepherd a win against the tricky Sharks side.
Sharks however will not be an easy opponent. In their last meeting at the start of the month, coach William Muluya’s side swatted aside KCB 3-0 at the same venue, and they can easily do a double basing on their recent form.
Sharks have not lost a single game since February, going on a run of 10 wins and four draws. The addition of striker John Mark Makwatta has made the side complete with the forward scoring 13 goals in nine matches since signing for them in mid-season.
In 13 matches, KCB has only beaten Sharks twice and the cross-road neighbors on Thika Road, will fold sleeves for what is expected to be a do or die battle.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login