Homeboyz face Talanta test as FKF PL resumes

Kakamega Homeboyz's Eston Esiye (left) and Brayan Wanyama of AFC Leopards during FKF Premier League match at The Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday, Dec 29, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

All eyes will be on FKF Premier League leaders Kakamega Homeboyz when they host Talanta as the league resumes today after the New Year break.

Homeboyz lead the log after 11 rounds with 25 points, three points more than second placed KCB and 12 more than defending champions Tusker.

The unbeaten Kakamega side shocked champions Tusker and Gor Mahia 1-0 and 2-1 respectively before playing out to a 2-2 draw with AFC Leopards in their last three matches.

They will be banking on the same form to propel them against FC Talanta at Bukhungu Stadium.

Bernard Mwalala’s men will be aiming to extend their stay at the to against the newbies in what will be the first meeting between the two sides.

The 2020 National Super League (NSL) champions are winless in their last three matches where they have lost once (2-0 to Posta Rangers) and registered an identical 1-1 draw against Kariobangi Sharks and Leopards.

However, Talanta are two points away from the top four and a fifth win of the season will not only see them climb to third in the standings but will also end Homeboyz 11-match unbeaten run in the league.

In Nairobi, relegation threatened Mathare United will be out to end their seven-match winless streak when they host second placed KCB at Kasarani.

The Slum Boys have lost six of their last seven matches apart from their 2-2 draw with Homeboyz, a poor record which has seen them drop down to the relegation zone. 

On the other hand, the bankers are enjoying a 10-match unbeaten run (six wins and four draws). A win for Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s boys will see them continue keeping pace with leaders Homeboyz.

Bottom-placed Vihiga Bullets face a tricky trip to the capital city where they will be hunting for the first win of the campaign against Kenya Police at Ruaraka Grounds.

In other matches today, Sofapaka clash with Bandari at Wundanyi as Ulinzi Stars take on Kariobangi Sharks.

Fresh from their emphatic 4-1 win over Mathare, defending champions Tusker will be out to secure their fifth victory of the season against visiting Bidco United at Ruaraka Grounds.

The brewers have struggled in their opening nine matches where they have won four, drawn once and lost four but will be hoping to start the new year on a high note. Both Tusker and Bidco are ted on 13 points, the brewers are 11th courtesy of a better goal difference. 

Tusker captain Eugene Asike believes the win against Mathare will boost the team’s motivation heading into the new year, after a difficult start to the campaign.

“It has been a difficult start to the season but in the dressing room before the game we talked and we said we needed to finish the year on a high and that is what we did. It will give us a confidence boost heading into the new year,” said Asike.

Wounded-record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia will be seeking to turn around their fortunes when they take on Nzoia Sugar in Bungoma. K’Ogalo lost their last two games against Nairobi City Stars (2-0) and Homeboyz (2-1).

AFC Leopards will entertain third-placed City Stars tomorrow at Nyayo Stadium as Wazito tackle Posta Rangers at Kasarani.

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