Limping AFC Leopards visit Ulinzi in search of redemption

New AFC Leopards coach Casa Mbungo will be chasing his first victory at the club as the big cats face Ulinzi Stars on Sunday afternoon at the Kenyatta stadium in Machakos.

League champions Gor Mahia will be looking to put their 2-1 defeat to Angolan club Petro Atletico in the CAF Confederation Cup behind them as they tackle Sofapaka at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

Leaders Mathare United, who seem to have taken the foot off the pedal, will be seeking redemption against Zoo Kericho after the 4-1 defeat they suffered last Tuesday in the hands of Sofapaka.

And on Saturday, belligerent Kariobangi Sharks will face Bandari at the Kasarani Stadium while Nzoia Sugar host Chemelil Sugar at the Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.

All eyes will however be at the match involving the soldiers and Ingwe, as both teams are trying to get back on track after suffering a terrible start to the season.

Mbungo has suffered two straight defeats since he took over early this month, including last weekend’s painful 2-0 loss to arch rivals Gor Mahia in the highly billed Mashemeji derby.

This string of losses has seen Ingwe slump to second last on the league standings with just two wins from 12 games.

To add insult to injury, Mbungo is dealing with a growing injury list that includes attacking midfielder Marvin Nabwire whose absence was greatly felt in their last outing against K’Ogalo.

Mbungo now says that he is waiting eagerly for the mid-season transfer window that opens in March so that he can strengthen his squad and plot a major comeback in the season’s second leg.

“It may not look like it, but I believe these players have what it takes to stage a revival in this club, I still have faith in them. We shall obviously add a few more talents in the coming transfer window but I think they played quite well today under the circumstances,” said the Mbungo.

But UIinzi are not doing well either.

The soldiers are ranked 12th on the SportPesa Premier League table with 14 points, and have not won in their last six outings.

Coach Dunstan Nyaudo, who watched as his team drew 1-1 with Western Stima last weekend, has blamed his blunt strike force for the team’s woes.

“This is the first time in the history of Ulinzi Stars that we are almost winding the first leg of the season with only two wins, the players have lost confidence. When you’re not winning you tend to doubt yourself and that is the other problem we have at this club,” said Nyaudo who was visibly irked by his team’s performance last weekend.

Nyaudo however has on his side the prolific Enosh Ochieng' who is the current league top scorer with seven goals.

FIXTURES

Saturday

Kariobangi Sharks v Bandari (MISC, Kasarani, 3pm)

Nzoia Sugar v Chemelil Sugar (Sudi Stadium, 3pm)

Tusker v Kakamega Homeboyz (Ruaraka Sports Club, 4.15pm) 

Sunday

KCB v Sony Sugar (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, 2pm)

Sofapaka v Gor Mahia (Afraha Stadium, 4.15pm)

Zoo v Mathare United (Kericho Green Stadium, 3pm)

Western Stima v Mount Kenya United (Moi Stadium, Kisumu, 3pm)

Vihiga United v Posta Rangers (Mumias Sports Complex, 3pm)

AFC Leopards v Ulinzi Stars (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, 4.15pm)