Murang'a SEAL seek redemption against AFC Leopards in midweek clash

AFC Leopards' Cliff Nyakea (left) and Titus Kapchonga of Murang'a Seal during Mozzart Bet Cup tournament at The Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The FKF Premier League is brimming with anticipation as the teams prepare for a series of crucial midweek fixtures ahead of the Christmas break.

Murang'a Seal, currently occupying the 8th position with 22 points in the league, are set to face AFC Leopards in a gripping midweek encounter.

With a five-match winless streak haunting them, Seal are desperate for redemption. The pressure mounts as this will be their third meeting with the Leopards, who have previously dominated the encounters with a 3-1 and 1-0 victory.

As Seal aim to break their slump, the Leopards are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, having just secured their second win of the season against a formidable Kakamega Homeboyz with a 2-0 scoreline.

Both teams, hungry for victory, know the importance of this match as the league edges closer to the Christmas break.

The stakes are high and the quest for points is fierce, with Murang'a Seal seeking to reclaim their former glory and climb the league standings, while AFC Leopards look to continue their ascent from the depths of the table.

Speaking ahead of the match, Seal captain Peter Mwaura rued missed chances during their 2-0 defeat to Bandari last weekend in Mombasa.

“Bandari had two chances and scored. We failed to take our chances in the game and we accept that we were not good enough. The boys have to pull up their socks because we know our capabilities,” said Mwaura.

The captain added that they need to work on their attacks and defending set pieces which have costed them problems in their last five matches.

“We need to maintain consistency. We have young players who don’t have experience playing at the top levels but there is always room for improvement. We have the quality and talent I believe we can recapture our form. We need to beat Leopards to reignite our form,” said Waweru.

Murang’a Seal head coach Gabriel 'Kingi' Njoroge echoed his captain sentiments but called out on officiating of the match which he believed was not good.

Njoroge however agreed they did not defend their set pieces well and hopes they will improve against Leopards.

Meanwhile, Muhoroni Youth, sitting just above the relegation zone, will have to up their game against Sofapaka FC, who suffered a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Shabana FC. With both teams eager to improve their standings, expect a hard-fought clash.

Tusker FC, who secured a vital 2-0 win against Nzoia Sugar, will be up against Police FC. Tusker FC, currently in the seventh spot, will aim to build on their momentum, while Police FC will be desperate to recover from their 2-1 loss to KCB FC.

Kenyan Premier League midweek fixtures

Wednesday

Murang’a Seal vs AFC Leopards-SportPesa Arena, 3pm

Muhoroni Youth vs Sofapaka FC-Muhoroni Stadium, 3pm

Tusker FC vs Police FC-Machakos Stadium, 3pm