AFC face Nzoia test as KPL resumes after international break

Newly unveiled Coach Stewart Hall at AFC Secretariat on Monday, Oct 31, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

AFC Leopards coach Stewart Hall expects a difficult match when the Kenyan Premier League giants face-off with an unpredictable Nzoia Sugar in an early kick off (2pm) fixture at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, today.

The domestic league resumes this weekend with nine matches on the cards after the international break. The highly anticipated match will be followed by a 4.15pm duel between newbies Kariobangi Sharks and Ulinzi Stars, who will be playing their first match of the campaign after continental engagements.

Both AFC and Nzoia are coming off quite different results.

While Leopards thrashed Nakumatt 3-0 in their season opener in Thika, the millers, who hammered Tusker 5-2 in their first match, held Mathare United to a barren draw in Bungoma.

Although the Briton is wary of Nzoia’s athleticism and strength, he wants Ingwe to stick to their game plan and continue from where they left off in Thika.

“I watched the Nzoia game against Tusker . . .  they ran throughout that match. So  that means we need to keep working hard, run and play better than them.

“All I know is that it will be a difficult, but exciting match for fans to watch,” said Hall. 

The former Sofapaka and Azam coach hinted at maintaining the squad that did duty against Nakumatt.

“We have got a number of very good young players with whom I have a lot of confidence in, but I don’t think this is the right time to play them,” he said.

“You field young players when the team is doing well as it will help them develop quicker. Of course they will play a big part this season, but for the first few games I will go for players who are used to KPL and fans’ demands.”

Asked about the formation he will deploy today, Hall said: “I like 3-5-2 system, but at the end of the day it is not about systems but players’ attitude and output.”

Ghanaian import Gilbert Fiamenyo and Paul Kiongera are likely to start upfront as Ian Otieno mans the AFC post, while youthful Brian Otieno is expected to lead the Nzoia attack.

In other matches today, Kakamega Homeboyz welcome Posta Rangers in Mumias while Muhoroni Youth travel to Mombasa to face Bandari.