AFC Leopards seek to end winless run against Homeboyz

Yusuf Mwinge of AFC Leopards beats Duncan Otewa [down] of Bandari during a league match at Bandari sports club in Mombasa. Bandari won 2--1. 19th February 2021. [Omondi Onyango,Standard]

AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems has urged his players to show the same character from midweek’s 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars when they face Kakamega Homeboyz in tomorrow’s FKF Premier League match at Bukhungu Stadium.

Though the two teams have had contrasting forms so far, the hosts have not lost against Ingwe in their last four meetings. AFC Leopards are currently third-placed on the log with 22 points, seven more than the 12th ranked Kakamega Homeboyz.

Save for their positional difference, Leopards will also be motivated by the fact that it is the former Homeboyz winger Peter Thiong’o who scored the winner against the soldiers at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday as Nicholas Muyoti’s men were frustrated to a 1-1 draw by bottom-rooted Zoo in Kericho.

And having secured his first win as AFC Leopards coach a few days ago, the Belgian is now orchestrating to end Ingwe’s away winless jinx against Homeboyz.

“I want to play every game to win. So, it doesn’t matter whether we play at home or away, it’s the same. We just need to show some character and get the result.  We are going to Kakamega with one mission; to come back with the three points,” said Aussems.

But for Homeboyz assistant captain Ali Bai, AFC Leopards current impressive form will count for nothing.

“Of course AFC Leopards are in a fine form, but we are encouraged by the fact that we have never lost to them at home since 2013. We are looking forward to continuing with our good record against them on Sunday,” said Bai.

While AFC Leopards will be seeking to end their winless run against Homeboyz and consequently narrow the gap on the leading pack (Tusker and KCB), their arch-rivals Gor Mahia will be looking for redemption in the domestic front today against Nzoia Sugar in Mumias after their CAF Confederation Cup disappointment.

AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems giving instructions to Peter Nga'ng'a during an FKF Premier League match against Ulinzi Stars at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday, Feb 24, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

K’Ogalo were eliminated from the continental competition by Zambia’s Napsa Stars 3-2 on aggregate despite holding them to a 2-2 draw at the National Heroes Stadium, Lusaka last weekend.

The 3.15pm fixture will be preceded by an early kick-off match between Vihiga United and Western Stima in a relegation zone battle.

In other matches today, leaders Tusker will be aiming to stretch their unbeaten to 13 games when they tackle eighth-placed Bidco United at Kasarani Annex.

Tomorrow will see resurgent Bandari travel to Kericho to face Ulinzi Stars as second-placed KCB host Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Annex.

Meanwhile, the inaugural FKF Women’s Cup enters the round of sixteen this weekend with eight matches on the card.

Giant killers Mukuru Talent Academy clash with Premier League side Kayole Starlets at Stima Members Club today at noon, just two hours after a tie between Ulinzi Starlets and Sunderland Samba at the same venue.

Three-time Premier League champions will be in action tomorrow against Nyuki Starlets in Mumias while Zetech Sparks host Kibera Soccer Ladies at Ruiru Grounds.