Ulinzi, Leopards clash as KPL Top 8 takes centre-stage
Gor Mahia head coach Jose Marcello Ferreira "Ze Maria" reacts during a past SportPesa Premier League match against Sony Sugar at Nyayo Stadium. National Super League sides Nzoia United bundled Gor out of GOtv Shield Cup on Sunday. PHOTO MARTIN | MUKANGU |
What you need to know:
- The tournament, which is usually contested by the top eight teams in the league from the previous season, will begin on Sunday with the final set to be held in Mombasa.
- Ushuru, who are competing in the tournament for the first time, will tackle holders Gor Mahia on Monday at the Nyayo National Stadium.
- Bandari tackle Tusker as Ulinzi Stars renew their rivalry with AFC Leopards on Sunday
- Spluttering Sofapaka take on the improving Muhoroni Youth in the last match on Monday.
The Kenyan Premier League Top 8 Knockout Tournament takes centre-stage this weekend with some exciting fixtures on the cards.
The tournament, which is usually contested by the top eight teams in the league from the previous season, will begin on Sunday with the final set to be held in Mombasa.
Ushuru, who are competing in the tournament for the first time, will tackle holders Gor Mahia on Monday at the Nyayo National Stadium.
A 0-0 draw was the outcome when the two teams met earlier this month in a league match. Therefore, this encounter presents an opportunity to both teams to make amends with a semi-final slot at stake.
Even though it is his first appearance on this stage, outspoken Ushuru coach Ken Kenyatta remains confident that his charges can upset the defending champions.
“We shall overcome this challenge. The fact that we have never played in this tournament before doesn’t mean we are not ready. We are ready, and we shall strive to do well,” Kenyatta told Saturday Nation Sport on Friday.
Gor Mahia coach Jose Marcelo Ferreira predicted a close contest but urged his players to give their all to advance.
“This is a knockout tournament and those kinds of games are not easy. I remember Ushuru when we played them last month they are quite good. They put through a very solid defence and made things difficult for us,” Ferreira said on Friday.
“That game can go either way but losing at this early stage will be bad for the club. What’s important is for the players to give their best.”
Two-time champions Tusker FC, who were eliminated by Gor in the semis last year, will tackle domestic cup holders Bandari in the opening match of the tournament tomorrow afternoon at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Ulinzi Stars, winners of the inaugural title in 2011, will renew their rivalry with AFC Leopards in the second match of the day tomorrow at the same venue. The two will be facing off for the second time in two weeks, with Ulinzi going into this match confident of stopping Leopards from advancing to the semis-finals.
Spluttering Sofapaka take on the improving Muhoroni Youth in the last match on Monday.
Ugandan-born Rwandan striker Meddie Kagere struck twice as Gor Mahia came from behind to down Sony Sugar 2-1 after extra time to win the title in Kisumu last year.
This year’s final will be held in Mombasa with the winning team walking away with a cash prize of Sh1 million.
The quarter-final stage will be played in a knockout format, with teams going straight into penalties in case of a draw in regulation time, while the semi-finals be played on a home and away basis.
FIXTURES
Sunday
Bandari v Tusker
Ulinzi Stars v AFC Leopards
Monday
Gor Mahia v Ushuru
Sofapaka v Muhoroni Youth
