Gor tackle Sofapaka, Leopards await Mathare

What you need to know:

  • Kerr’s boys are expected to once more serve up an electric performance.
  • Sofapaka, on the other hand, will be looking to revive their fading title hopes after failing to win their last three games.

Leaders Gor Mahia take on second-placed Sofapaka in a SportPesa Premier League match at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Wednesday.

K’Ogalo’s advantage atop the league table was reduced to 45 points points following the suspension of Zoo Kericho and Nakumatt from the league in compliance with last week’s High Court order that declared their participation in the premier league illegal.

This development saw Gor lose nine points courtesy of their two wins against Zoo Kericho and three points from Nakumatt, as ‘Batoto ba Mungu’ lost six points.

The 15-time champions will however be wary of the threat posed by ‘Batoto ba Mungu’ who fortified their squad in the June transfer window and who beat them 2-0 in the first leg clash played on June 18 in Meru.

“Our targets are the same for each game. We want three points. That requires good preparation and strategic approach and that is what we have done,” Gor coach Dylan Kerr said Tuesday.

Kerr’s boys are expected to once more serve up an electric performance, now that their striking team of Jacques Tuyisenge, George Odhiambo, Meddie Kagere and Timothy Otieno are all enjoying brilliant form.

Sofapaka, on the other hand, will be looking to revive their fading title hopes after failing to win their last three games.

The 2009 league champions will benefit from the return of first choice goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya who has missed the team’s last four games during which he was recuperating from a dislocated shoulder.

Club top scorer Umaru Kasumba however remains doubtful for the match due to a knock he picked in the team’s previous match, as is Mohamed Kilume.

“Playing Gor Mahia in Kisumu will be a tough endeavour. That is the best team in the country right now but we shall give our best,” said Sofapaka's Ugandan coach Sam Ssimbwa.

In Nairobi, AFC Leopards will play guests to strugglers Mathare United as they seek to jump from the bottom half of the table.

Ingwe will approach the match buoyed by their final berth in the GOtv Shield which they secured by beating Vihiga United 1-0 In Nakuru last Sunday.

At the Afraha Stadium, Ulinzi Stars will host struggling Thika United as they bid to keep their fading title hopes on track.

FIXTURES

Wednesday

Mathare United v AFC Leopards (Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, 3pm)

Ulinzi Stars v Thika United (Afraha Stadium, Nakuru, 3pm) 

Gor Mahia v Sofapaka (Moi Stadium, Kisumu, 4pm)