Limping Leopards to meet Omino’s red-hot Stima: Bruised Ingwe visit Stima as Chemelil head to Ulinzi

Posta Rangers' Andrew Sekayombya challenge Western Stima's Joash Onyango, left, during their Sportpesa Premier League match against Western Stima at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Sunday, The match ednded in a 1-1 draw. Feb 28, 2016. PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD.

Fresh from thrashing neighbours Muhoroni Youth 3-0 in the Kenyan Premier League, Western Stima host struggling AFC Leopards at Moi Stadium, Kisumu today.

AFC Leopards have had a rocky patch what with a 1-1 draw with Nairobi City Stars coming on the back of a 4-1 hammering at the hands of Kakamega Homeboyz.

The clash today, however, will be in the GOtv Shield which should provide some respite for the battered felines.

Victory for either side will earn a quarterfinal slot in the race to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup next year.

Leopards’ top scorer, Kepha Aswani is out of this tie as he is leaving for trials in Ethiopia Ababa City FC.

Western Stima coach Henry Omino is in no mood for niceties and has warned the 2013 winners to expect another difficult outing.

Speaking to Feverpitch during their last training at the Kisumu Stadium, Omino said: “There will be no room for error since this is a very important match for us. Leopards is a good team and we have to be at our best to emerge victorious.

“We have a good record against them but we will not bask in the sun because this is totally a different match. However, we are ready for the game,” he added.

Leopards Coach, Ivan Minnaert admits the departure of Aswani will dent their attacking powers.

“He (Aswani) has been instrumental in the team and it will for sure affect us. We have to find solutions immediately. We haven’t been playing well recently but my task at the moment is now to lift the players for the next game. That’s what is important.”

At Afraha Stadium, Ulinzi Stars who were denied an outright win by Posta Rangers in a rescheduled midweek KPL match, return to same venue against on-form Chemelil.

Against Rangers, the soldiers looked fatigued following their week-long absence from the league as they were engaged in the regional Military Games in Kigali.