Gor Mahia returns to KPL action with a clash against Thika United as AFC Leopards travel to Bandari

Gor Mahia duo of Meddie Kagere (left) and Jaques Tuyisenge celebrate their victory against SuperSports United of South Africa during CAF knockout matches at Kenyatta Stadioum in Machakos County on On Sunday, April 8, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Fresh from their CAF Confederations Cup heroics, Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run in the domestic league when they host Thika United in Machakos, tomorrow.

K’Ogalo made history on Wednesday night when they became the first Kenyan team to progress to the group stages of continental football in many years on a 2-2 aggregate despite falling 2-1 to South Africa’s SuperSport United in the return leg clash of the play-offs in Pretoria.

Despite their continental football involvement, the 16 time champions are still second on the leg with three games in hand and one point adrift of leaders Mathare United (23), who take on Wazito at Camp Toyoyo today (4.15pm).

Mathare will be out to bounce back from their shock 2-1 defeat to Posta Rangers last weekend.

“We just need to keep up the momentum that we had in the second half against Rangers. The Rangers disappointment could be a huge learning lesson as we prepare for our next game,” said Mathare coach Francis Kimanzi.

“Still being at the top of the table gives us an extra effort and motivation ahead of the Wazito match. It can bring some belief in the team as we try to re-collect ourselves.”

The 4.15pm tie will be preceded by an early kick off fixture between Kakamega Homeboyz and Kariobangi Sharks at the same venue.

Both teams, who are only separated by point on the table, will be seeking for a win in what is expected to be a difficult but exciting match as described by Homeboyz coach Mike Mururi.

"Sharks is a good team both tactically and technically. So, we expect a very difficult match because these are two teams that are both in dire need of a win," said Mururi.

Incoming AFC Leopards coach Rodolfo Zapata will be in the stands in Mombasa as Ingwe seek to rediscover their winning ways against Bandari in another highly anticipated fixture today.

The third placed Leopards have failed to win their last three matches; drawn 2-2 against Zoo Kericho and Nzoia Sugar, lost 4-2 to Tusker.

The Argentine,who was due to arrive in the country yesterday, is expected officially expected take over from the out-going interim coach Dennis Kitambi on May 7. Kitambi is set to reunite with his former boss Stewart Hall at Sai Sporting Club in Bangladesh.

KPL round 12 matches

 

Today

 

Bandari v AFC Leopards – Mombasa

Chemelil Sugar v Sofapaka – Chemelil (1pm)

Zoo v Tusker – Kericho

Kariobangi Sharks v Kakamega Homeboyz – Camp Toyoyo (2pm)

Wazito v Mathare United – Camp Toyoyo (4:15pm)

Tomorrow

Nakumatt v Ulinzi Stars – Machakos (2pm)

Gor Mahia v Thika United – Machakos (4:15pm)

Sony Sugar v Posta Rangers – Awendo

Vihiga United v Nzoia Sugar – Mumias

Unless stated, all matches kick off at 3pm.

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