Cruising AFC Leopards prey on Chemelil, Gor seek maiden win

AFC Leopards' Ivorian striker Lamine Diallo (right) celebrates his goal with teammate Allan Katerega during their SportPesa Premier League match against Gor Mahia at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani on March 6, 2016. Leopards face Chemelil Sugar on March 13, 2016 at Nyayo. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • The match, whose venue and kick off time had was a subject of debate between Leopards officials and the KPL management, will offer the hosts a chance to stake their claim at the summit of the log.
  • The big cats clawed their way to the top of the log last weekend with a vital 1-0 win over bitter rivals and defending champions Gor Mahia through Lamine Diallo’s second half strike.
  • The win, which shattered Gor’s 35-match unbeaten run, has Ingwe purring again after a catastrophic season last year.
  • The struggling champions will start life without coach Frank Nuttall, who decamped to Egyptian giants Zamalek SC on Monday.
  • Frank Ouna will lead the defending champions against City Stars who are now under former Gor Mahia deputy coach John “Bobby” Ogolla.
  • In Nakuru, unbeaten Ulinzi Stars will welcome Western Stima.
  • Stima coach Henry Omino has exuded confidence of walking away with all the three points.

Leaders AFC Leopards welcome Chemelil Sugar on Sunday in a tricky Kenyan Premier League match at Nyayo Stadium as the season gathers momentum.

The match, whose venue and kick off time had was a subject of debate between Leopards officials and the KPL management, will offer the hosts a chance to stake their claim at the summit of the log.

Leopards, who sit top of the table with 10 points from four matches, could find themselves third by the time they start this match if Ulinzi Stars and Posta Rangers win their matches on Saturday against Western Stima and Kakamega Homeboyz respectively.

The big cats clawed their way to the top of the log last weekend with a vital 1-0 win over bitter rivals and defending champions Gor Mahia through Lamine Diallo’s second half strike.

The win, which shattered Gor’s 35-match unbeaten run, has Ingwe purring again after a catastrophic season last year.

Leopards will miss the services of young prodigy Alfred Wekesa, who remains doubtful after sustaining an injury early on in the Mashemeji derby.

“That was a good performance I know. When I entered the field of play, I could just feel that I would have a great game. I just hope there is more of that to come,” Diallo told Saturday Nation Sport on Friday.

As Leopards seek to extend their lead atop the table, their nemesis, Gor Mahia will be out to claim their first win of the season when they tackle Nairobi City Stars on Saturday.

The spluttering champions will start life without coach Frank Nuttall, who decamped to Egyptian giants Zamalek SC on Monday.

Frank Ouna will lead the defending champions against City Stars who are now under former Gor Mahia deputy coach John “Bobby” Ogolla.

The league champions remain winless in seven competitive matches this term and defender Musa Mohammed knows this trend has to change.

“It is going to take a lot of effort from each team member if we are to win tomorrow. Despite the coach’s absence, we have been training all week, and what remains for us now is to remain focused on wining the match,” Mohammed told Saturday Nation Sport.

In other matches this weekend, Tusker, who seem to have steadied ship after their 2-0 loss to Ulinzi last month, will face Ushuru at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos in an early kick off on Sunday before paving way for Sofapaka and Bandari.

In Nakuru, unbeaten Ulinzi Stars will welcome Western Stima. Stima coach Henry Omino has exuded confidence of walking away with all the three points.

“We are ready for them. I know they are strong, they have not conceded any goals and they have very young players,” he said.

“We have however prepared well and I look forward to having a good game and collecting maximum points.”

FIXTURES

Saturday

2pm City Stars v Gor Mahia (Nyayo Stadium)     

3pm Ulinzi Stars v Western Stima (Afraha Stadium) 

3pm Kakamega Homeboyz v Posta Rangers (Mumias Complex)    

3pm Sony Sugar v Muhoroni Youth (Awendo Stadium)       

Sunday:

2pm Tusker v Ushuru (Machakos Stadium) 

3pm Thika United v Mathare United (Thika Stadium)         

3pm AFC Leopards v Chemelil Sugar (Nyayo Stadium)        

4.15pm Sofapaka v Bandari (Machakos Stadium)