GOtv Shield tournament resumes as KPL takes a break

With the Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round return leg match between Kenya and Comoros behind us, local action resumes Saturday with several matches in the GOtv Shield tournament lined up.

All Kenyan Premier League teams, except GOtv champions AFC Leopards and last year’s finalists Gor Mahia, will take part in the second round fixtures of the knockout tournament.

Today, National Super League sides Mahakama and Talanta FC will fight it out for a place in the next round and Talanta coach Michael Nam is confident his team will post good results.

“We have prepared for the match just like any league tie. But this being a knockout tournament, there is no room for mistakes so I hope the results will favour us,” Nam said.

RESOUNDING WIN

Talanta warmed up for their GOtv Shield engagement with a resounding 6-0 win over JMJ Academy in a friendly match yesterday at Nairobi School. A more exciting fixture is scheduled for tomorrow when KPL sides Tusker and Western Stima will lock horns at Ruaraka grounds.

Meanwhile, the match between Chemelil Sugar and Thika United has been postponed, while Sony Sugar, who were scheduled to play Top Fry Nakuru, have withdrawn from the tournament to concentrate on the league.

All Stars have as a result automatically advanced to the next round. Sofapaka have a match against coastal side Vimbwanga tomorrow in Machakos.

On Tuesday Bidco have a date with Mathare United while KRA will face GFE 105 of Eldoret at Bata Stadium in Limuru.

Ten teams, amongst them Ulinzi Stars, Muhoroni Youth, Finlays, Shabana and Zoo Kericho, were given a bye to the next round.

“This is going to be a make or break match but we will try and go for an early goal,” Tusker’s forward Jesse Were said.