KPL preview: AFC coach says he expects tough encounter against champions

Football
By Gilbert Wandera | Aug 23, 2017
AFC LEOPARDS, MATHARE UNITED FC Mathare United FC's Samuel Olwande (left) and Haron Nyaka of AFC Leopards during KPL Match at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, June 17, 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Brewers keen to hit back as Mathare United go shopping at Nakumatt.

AFC Leopards coach Robert Matano says he will not underrate Tusker when the two teams meet tomorrow in a high-profile Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Kasarani.

It is a do-or-die match for Leopards while for the brewers, it provides an opportunity to get back on title track.

Having lost out on the GOtv shield, the brewers have only the league title to fight for.

“We will not judge Tusker based on their performance in the GOtv shield. That was just one match,” said Matano, a former Tusker coach.

While Tusker could be struggling to get something this season, Leopards remain in real danger of being relegated and Matano said he hopes Sunday’s 7-1 win over Wazito in the GOtv will inspire his side to go for the win against the KPL champions. “We have been working on scoring and I am happy we saw the results on Sunday. The most important thing is for the boys to be able to have consistency. Playing against a big team like Tusker, it means they will need to be more composed in front of goal,” Matano said.

Matano will be looking up to Burundian Alex Kitenge and youngster Marcelus Ingotse who were inspirational against Wazito.

The brewers on the other hand have a very experienced squad capable of hitting back.

Meanwhile, after a 6-0 win over Zoo Kericho last Saturday, Mathare United return to Ruaraka Stadium hoping to collect three more points against struggling Nakumatt.

Mathare have moved away from the relegation zone and are currently placed 13th on the log with 20 points. “We hope to continue with our winning run and hopefully get to a level where we can fight for a good position,” Mathare coach Francis Kimanzi said.

Share this story
KPA drown AP-Kenya as Eldowas stun Trailblazers
Rivals Kenya Prisons and Kenya Pipeline square off in the last match of the weekend.
Gem Forest make positive start at Maria Bencivenga Memorial Cup
Gem Forest defeated Pure Travel 7.5-3 to make a positive start in this year's edition of Maria Bencivenga Memorial Cup at Nairobi Polo Club.
Menengai Oilers bag Nakuru derby bragging rights once again
Menengai Oilers won their fourth Kenya Çup derby against their next-door neighbour Nakuru RFC 43-7 at ASK Nakuru Showground on Saturday.
AFC Leopards fight back to return to SPL summit
Leopards scored two stoppage-time goals to beat stubborn APS Bomet 2-1.
Man Utd dominate Man City in dream start for Carrick
Mbeumo and Dorgu scored a goal each to hand City a blow in title race. Carrick will be hoping his team continues with the same performance against Arsenal next weekend.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS