Sofapaka host troubled AFC as Gor take on Western Stima

By Gilbert Wandera

Sofapaka and Gor Mahia will be hoping for a positive finish of the first leg of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) when they host tricky opposition today (Wednesday).

Sofapaka have a date with AFC Leopards, who are troubled with administrative matters. The match will be played at Nyayo National Stadium from 7pm.

In an  earlier fixture, Gor take on Western Stima at the City Stadium from 3pm. Attention will be at Nyayo Stadium where Sofapaka and Leopards will be fighting to finish the first leg at the top of the standings.

Sofapaka are currently at the top after stopping Muhoroni Youth 2-0 last weekend and will be keen to end the first leg on a winning note considering that Leopards are yet to play their match against Sony Sugar.

The match was called off  at the last minute last weekend by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) following wrangles in the team’s administration. Kenyan Premier League (KPL) boss Jack Oguda confirmed Wednesday’s match is on.

“The match belongs to Sofapaka and so it will go on as scheduled,” said Oguda.

One hopes that Leopards are not already disoriented by the management disputes and can still get a positive result.

Apart from the wrangles, the team are yet to win in three matches and suffered their worst defeat so far this season after going down 3-0 to City Stars two weeks ago.

With key players such as Allan Wanga and Eric Masika out with injuries, coach Jaan Koops is facing his worst crisis this season. 

But the Dutchman has seen worse. Last season he took over a demoralised, battered side and turned it around, going more than 20 matches unbeaten. Can he do it again?

In the absence of Wanga, veteran striker Francis Chinjili and Francis Kadenge should step in to score goals.  Chinjili has been sparingly used this season and he should grab this chance if he gets the opportunity to start.

Sofapaka will be hoping veteran striker John Barasa maintains his form which saw him score two goals last weekend against Muhoroni. Barasa seems to have rediscovered himself and with 10 goals so far, he remains dangerous for any defence.

Apart from Barasa, Sofapaka also have Humphrey Mieno in midfield. Mieno is also dangerous for apart from supplying balls, he can also score easily.

Gor go into today’s match against Stima on a high after registering two wins in a row.

Their latest win was a 3-2 victory over KCB on Saturday. The team seem to have found their winning formula after laying off eight players three weeks ago.   Stima on the other hand will be looking for a positive finish to the first leg after falling 1-0 at home to City Stars last Saturday.

Fixtures: Gor Mahia v Western Stima (City Stadium-3pm) and Sofakapa v AFC Leopards (Nyayo Stadium-7pm).