Tusker will be hoping to progress to the semifinals of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup when they renew their rivalry with KCB today at Police Sacco Stadium as they continue with their chase for a double.
The brewers are currently second in the FKF Premier League standings and stand a chance to retain the title with seven matches left just as they remain favourites to win the cup competition after the exit of defending champion Gor Mahia in the round of 16 stage.
This weekend, eight top teams will battle it out in this do-or-die knockout tournament, with the hope of securing a spot in the semifinals and edge closer to lifting the coveted trophy.
Today's match between Tusker and KCB will be a repeat of the midweek league action where the brewers emerged victors, 1-0.
The 1pm kick off encounter will be followed by Sofapaka taking on Ulinzi Stars at 3.15 pm.
Tusker head coach Robert Matano expressed his excitement for the tournament, saying, they have to be on top of their game to edge KCB.
"In knockouts, any team can win, not like the league. You take your chances, and if you win, you can be closer to the cup. FKF Cup is a very competitive competition, and we are ready to bring our A game," said Matano.
But KCB head coach Zedekiah Otieno equally knows how important the tournament is to the club.
"We entered the tournament to compete and not just to participate. We began our journey in the FKF Cup in the round of 32 against MOFA and won 1-0. In the round of 16, we beat Bidco United 4-1 in a post-match penalty shootout. Now we face Tusker again in the tournament," said Otieno.
Tomorrow, the action shifts to Kasarani Stadium for another double-header.
Kakamega Homeboyz will play Kariobangi Sharks in the early kickoff match, followed by the match between AFC Leopards and Bandari at 3.15pm.
"We have played Sharks many times and nothing changes for us. We are going to take it seriously just as we do with the league," said Homeboyz coach Patrick Odhiambo.
"Of course the privilege of representing Kenya at the Confederation Cup thrills me and it will be an honour. We are however far from it as we have to get to the finals. The journey starts against Sharks whom we have to beat." The winners of the cup will earn a ticket to represent Kenya in CAF Confederation Cup.
They will also win a cash award of Sh2 million while Sh1 million, Sh750,000 and Sh500,000 will go to second, third and fourth-placed teams respectively.
