Gor ready for flat Tusker: KPL. Hapless champs face K'Ogalo test in Nakuru as bottom-placed Zoo face Nzoia Sugar in Bungoma

Kenneth Muguna of Gor Mahia shields the ball away from Hashim Sempala of Tusker FC during the super cup match at Afraha stadium in Nakuru on March 5,2017.They beat Tusker 1-0.PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker and league leaders Gor Mahia will be seeking revenge against each other when they clash today at Afraha Stadium in the most awaited fixture of the weekend.

The encounter which promises to be a crunch tie will be preceded by an early kick off between second-placed Posta Rangers and Kariobangi Sharks.

Both teams go into this match on contrasting form. While the 15-time champions are enjoying a fine run of results, Tusker have had a stuttering start to the season winning only one of their first five opening league matches.

Gor beat Sony Sugar 2-1 in their last league match to take their points tally to 12 as 15th placed Tusker rallied from behind to draw 1-1 with Ulinzi Stars in Nakuru.

However, this match offers Tusker coach George Nsimbe a chance to avenge their last month’s 1-0 DSTV Super Cup defeat to K’ogalo at the same venue.

But it is Gor Mahia’s Jose Marcelo who has a point to prove against the brewers after they beat them 1-0 in both legs on their way to winning the title last year.

“It will be a very tough match because they (Tusker) want to come out from the situation they are and we (Gor Mahia) want to continue being at the top. So expect it to be a cracker,” Marcelo said.

“Remember last year they scored a controversial penalty, but that doesn’t mean we are out for revenge. It is just a crucial match for us and it is my hope that the officiating will be fair.”

Unlike Marcelo, who has declared to have a fully fit squad at his disposal, Nsimbe will have to do without the services of industrious winger Noah Wafula, who resumed training on Tuesday after attending the funeral of his son.

However, the brewers have been boosted by the return of their captain James Situma from a one-match suspension.

In other matches today, Sofapaka welcome Kakamega Homeboyz at Camp Toyoyo as Zoo Kericho travel to Bungoma to face Nzoia Sugar.  Tomorrow, AFC Leopards will travel to face Thika United in Thika as Ulinzi Stars entertain Mathare United at Afraha Stadium.

Yesterday, Bandari suffered their second defeat of the season as they went down 1-0 to Chemelil Sugar courtesy of Hillary Echesa’s goal on the 73rd minute in Chemelil.

 Payers to watch

Meddie Kagere has developed a knack of scoring against Tusker, he has done it three times in the past and on today, if he carries his current scoring form he may just be the difference.

Kagere is happy with his form: “It feels good to be scoring again. I have been working hard and I am now seeing the results. But we must continue working hard as a team so that we achieve our goal,” stated the Rwanda international.

“I know I have been scoring against Tusker in the past and I would be happy to score again but that will depend on how we approach the game.” 

Tusker too have a key player who can decide the destiny of the game - Allan Wanga.

He is yet to get his scoring touch but remains a big match player and has proved that in the past.

Wanga believes that a win against Gor Mahia will mark the start of their charge towards a good run.

“We have been working hard as a team but something is yet to click. We are ready for today’s game big and we all know a win for us will give us a massive lift in this campaign.”