Continental flops Sofapaka, Leopards clash

Deposed continental club football glory aspirants Sofapaka and AFC Leopards reacquaint themselves on the domestic scene in a midweek Kenyan Premier League tie at Nyayo National Stadium today from 6pm.

Sofapaka and AFC Leopards returned from their failed Champions League and Confederation Cup campaigns respectively to contrasting KPL outings last weekend.

For all their new found status as league champions, Sofapaka were upstaged 2-1 by a determined KCB outfit while AFC Leopards put aside their coaching and financial uncertainties to claw Thika United 1-0.

But do not read too much into last weekend’s results. Sofapaka, easily start the match as overwhelming favourites on account of their imperious record against Leopards.

Past record

The league champions have never lost to the former giants. Last season, the two teams drew 1-1 in the first leg of the KPL before Sofapaka turned on the style to wallop Leopards 4-1 in the second leg.

“Watoto wa Mungu” as the Christian-based Sofapaka call themselves ascended to superiority over Leopards by beating them 1-0 in the Super Cup early last month. But AFC Leopards captain Webo Wafula said they were not looking at past records. “Sofapaka are the league champions but this is a new season and this is a new AFC Leopards. Our approach will be different. We are confident, positive and motivated,” he said.

On paper, Sofapaka boast a formidable side with former and current internationals scattered in all their playing departments.

Harambee Stars goalkeeper Wilson Oburu stands between the posts, but will want to forget in a hurry his poor fielding that led to KCB’s winning goal last weekend.

Road accident

Hard man, Harambee Stars emerging player James Situma leads the infield players. KPL top scorer last season John Baraza will likely partner Bob Mugalia in the hunt for goals.

The misfiring champions have, understandably, received a tongue lash from their hard driving coach Robert Matano and will be looking to return to their winning ways.

In the absence of Sebastian Muchera, still recovering from a road accident related injury, Leopards’ only big name boast is that of up and coming 19-year-old Martin Imbalabala – recently called up to Harambee Stars and touted as Kenya’s next defensive colossus.

They can also look to the Congolese duo of Itubu Imbem and Demonde Selenga who crafted the goal that fell Thika United three days ago.

Leopards flirted with the danger of relegation all through last season. In that season the former giants also exhibited a knack of beating eager heirs to their lost throne, Sony Sugar, Ulinzi Stars and Mathare United.

On that account they will feel capable of picking up the big scalp of another wannabe heir: Sofapaka.