• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 3 hrs ago

AFC Leopards seek to close gap on leaders Gor Mahia as they face relegation-threatened Ulinzi

The Kenyan Premier League title race and relegation battle take centre stage on Wednesday afternoon as two postponed league matches are finally played after last week’s Mozzart Bet Cup quarter-final fixtures.

At Nyayo National Stadium, second-placed AFC Leopards face Ulinzi Stars in a high-pressure match with huge consequences at both ends of the table.

Ingwe are still chasing the league title and need maximum points to keep pressure on league leaders Gor Mahia. AFC Leopards currently sit second on the table with 58 points, seven behind Gor Mahia, and a win would cut the gap to four points with only three matches remaining.

A defeat or draw for Leopards could hand Gor Mahia the perfect chance to move closer to another league title when they face Murang’a Seal on Sunday.

For Ulinzi Stars, the match is equally important as they continue battling against relegation. The Soldiers are currently 16th with 32 points, one point behind Kariobangi Sharks, and victory could lift them out of the danger zone before the final stretch of the season.

The last meeting between the two sides produced drama, with AFC Leopards claiming a late 2-1 victory in a match that also sparked controversy over refereeing decisions.

Despite trailing in the title race, AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani says his team is still fully focused on the championship battle.

“We are taking the race to the wire, which is healthy for the league. We are taking every game as a final,” said Ambani. The match kicks off at 4pm.

Meanwhile, at Awendo Green Stadium, Mara Sugar will host Shabana in another important KPL fixture.

Mara Sugar head into the match with confidence after maintaining an unbeaten record against Shabana in the top flight. The Sugar Millers have won two of their three league meetings, while the reverse fixture earlier this season ended goalless.

Both teams are also looking to recover from disappointing weekend results. Mara Sugar lost 2-1 to AFC Leopards, while Shabana were held to a draw by struggling Ulinzi Stars.

Shabana, currently fifth with 48 points, will be aiming for their first-ever Premier League win over Mara Sugar, who sit 11th with 40 points.

The match in Awendo is scheduled to kick off at 2pm.