• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 3 months ago

Bandari test for AFC Leopards as they shift focus to Premier League after cup disappointment

The Kenyan Premier League continues on Saturday with fans set for exciting match week 20 action across the country.

The highlight of the day will be at the KPA Sports Club in Mbaraki where Bandari host title-chasing AFC Leopards in a crucial Valentine’s Day clash.

As the league resumes, defending champions Gor Mahia remain top of the 18-team table with 40 points. AFC Leopards sit second with 36 points and will be eager to close the gap.

Kakamega Homeboyz moved to third place with 31 points after a commanding 4-1 win over Bidco United on Friday.

At the bottom of the table, 2009 champions Sofapaka are struggling in 18th place with 14 points. They are joined in the relegation zone by Bidco United and Kariobangi Sharks.

 

Bandari v AFC Leopards

All eyes will be on the coastal clash as Bandari look to bounce back from a controversial 1-0 defeat to Shabana.

Coach Bernard Mwalala’s side has impressed this season and will be aiming to return to winning ways at home.

AFC Leopards return to league action for the first time in three weeks. Their last league match was a 1-0 win over Sofapaka on January 25. However, they suffered a shock exit from the Mozzart Bet Cup after losing to minnows BB Bread FC.

With the cup dream over, Leopards now shift full focus to the league, which remains their only realistic chance for silverware this season. Having won their last four league matches, Ingwe will be confident of keeping the pressure on Gor Mahia.

 

Posta Rangers v Shabana

At Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea, Posta Rangers host Shabana in what will be the first KFPL match ever played at the venue. The stadium will host the game following the closure of Kasarani and the unavailability of Nyayo Stadium.

Shabana, currently fourth with 31 points, are targeting a return to third place after their recent win over Bandari.

Posta Rangers, on the other hand, are desperate for a turnaround. They are yet to win in the second leg and are on a seven-match winless run. Coach Collins Korea Omondi will be under pressure to deliver a positive result. In the first leg, Posta claimed a 2-1 away victory over Shabana.

 

Mathare United v Tusker

In the third match of the day, 2008 champions Mathare United take on 12-time league winners Tusker at the Police Sacco Stadium.

Both teams are struggling for consistency. Mathare have won just one of their last five matches, while Tusker have managed two wins in their last five and have dropped to eighth place with 28 points.

Reports suggest this could be the final match for Tusker coach Charles Okere as the club considers changes in the technical bench.

With the title race and relegation battle both taking shape, Saturday’s matches promise drama and high stakes as the Premier League season enters a decisive stage.