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

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.