Tusker hoping to end three-game losing streak in today’s AFC Leopards clash

[Photo by Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Tusker will be hoping to end their three-game losing streak when they clash with AFC Leopards in today’s 4.15pm crunch SportPesa Premier League tie at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

But with both teams coming off quite contrasting results, there is a lot at stake. The highly anticipated match will be preceded by an early kick off tie between Posta Rangers and Kariobangi Sharks.

While Robert Matano’s side, who recently pulled out of the SportPesa Shield to concentrate on the league, suffered their third straight defeat away to Nzoia Sugar (1-0) last weekend, Ingwe ended their six-game losing run with a slim 1-0 victory over Sony Sugar in Kakamega.

It was a great relief for Rwandan coach Cassa Mbungo as he finally managed to pick up his first league win since joining Leopards early last month.

Although recent history favours the brewers, the pedigree of the limping Leopards as well as individual prowess of the likes of Whyvonne Isuza, Isaac Kipyegon, Jaffari Odenyi and Eugene Mukangula should not be underestimated.

The ten-time league champions have won the last four of their five meetings against Leopards.

After 16 matches, the fifth placed Tusker are seven points off leaders Bandari (32), while Leopards, who have a game in hand, are just a point above the danger zone.

Elsewhere, Mathare will have a chance to temporarily return to the top of the table with a win against Western Stima at Kasarani Stadium before leaders Bandari face-off with Ulinzi Stars in Nakuru tomorrow.

But it will not be a walk in the park for the dockers as Ulinzi coach Dunstan Nyaudo will have a fully fit squad at his disposal.

The soldiers’ camp has been boosted by the return of the duo of Bonventure Muchika and Omar Boraafya from injuries.

“We have no new injuries at the moment. Everyone is fit and in training.

“Muchika is still under close watch but he is training, while Omar is way ahead and it will be upon the head coach to decide whether or not to use them in the clash,” team doctor John Imboywa was quoted on the club’s website.