Gor tackle Sofapaka, Leopards host Tusker as first leg concludes

Gor Mahia's Khalid Aucho (centre) celebrates with teammates Jaques Tuysenge (left) and Innocent Wafula after scoring his team's opening goal during their SportPesa Premier League match against Sofapaka on May 25, 2015 at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu. Gor Mahia won 2-0. PHOTO | TOM OTIENO |

What you need to know:

  • At the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, league leaders Tusker will also tackle struggling AFC Leopards in a highs stakes clash.
  • The two games should provide a thrilling midweek action as both Gor and Tusker are out to finish the first leg atop the league standings.

Defending champions Gor Mahia host spluttering Sofapaka on Wednesday afternoon at the Moi Stadium, Kisumu as the first leg of the Kenyan Premier League concludes.

At the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, league leaders Tusker will also tackle struggling AFC Leopards in a highs stakes clash.

The two games should provide a thrilling midweek action as both Gor and Tusker are out to finish the first leg atop the league standings.

The brewers have been at the summit for the last three weeks, but they have failed to build a substantial cushion over Gor Mahia, Ulinzi Stars and Mathare United - who have been hot on their heels.

Only two points separate Tusker and the trio, meaning that the Gor could climb to the top of the table for the first time this season if they beat Sofapaka and the brewers stutter against Ingwe.

In the 2pm kick off in Kisumu, Gor Mahia coach Marcelo Ferreira is expected to name an unchanged side from their impressive 2-0 win over Mathare United at the weekend.

Rwandan hitman Jacques Tuyisenge is expected to lead the attack alongside Innocent Wafula and George Odhiambo while youngster Eric Ouma – who put up an impressive performance against Mathare – will start in the left back position.

“They (Sofapaka) haven’t been doing well lately, but we cannot peg our hopes on that. We have to work hard to finish the first leg on a high note. I am happy that the boys have been putting in some great efforts, and I hope that we maintain this momentum before we embark on midseason recruitment,” Ferreira told Daily Nation Sport on Tuesday.
On Ouma’s future at the club which has been a subject of discussion on various social media platforms, Ferreira said: “Gor Mahia is a big club and we cannot let social media spins affect our focus.”

Sofapaka have only won two games this term and sit at the basement of the table on seven points and club coach David Ouma knows this is yet another chance for his inexperienced charges to pick up vital lessons. Last season, the two sides drew 0-0 in the first leg before Gor floored Sofapaka 2-0 in the second leg.

FORMER PLAYERS

In Machakos, Tusker’s Michael Khamati, Humphrey Mieno, Noah Wafula, Timonnah Wanyonyi, Martin Kiiza and James Situma will all come up against their immediate former employer in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter. Tusker beat Leopards in all their three meetings last term.

“This is a good chance for us to prove that we are real title contenders. It is a tricky match because we are playing a team that is also in title contention. Tomorrow’s result will determine a lot and I hope that we can get those three points and finish on top,” Tusker coach Paul Nkata said.

Ingwe coach Ivan Minnaert, who has overseen a run of six games without a win, has pointed to political sabotage as the reason for his team’s dwindling performance.

“It is funny that some officials in this club get excited when the team loses a match. There is some tension within the club right now but I believe that the management will fix it. Our plan right now is to add more players in this transfer widow and then make a comeback in the second leg, but it has been long since we won a match we cannot afford another loss,” he said.

FIXTURES (all matches at 3pm unless stated)

Wednesday:

Gor Mahia v Sofapaka (Moi Stadium, 2pm)

AFC Leopards v Tusker (Kenyatta Stadium)

Thursday:

Muhoroni Youth v Chemelil Sugar (Muhoroni)

Western Stima v Ushuru (Moi Stadium)

Sony Sugar v City Stars (Awendo Stadium)

Bandari v Thika United (Mbaraki Stadium)

Ulinzi Stars v KK Homeboyz (Afraha Stadium)

Posta Rangers v Mathare United (Machakos Stadium)