AFC Leopards hunt for hat-trick of wins in clash with Nairobi City Stars

© AFC Leopards

FKFPL AFC Leopards hunt for hat-trick of wins in clash with Nairobi City Stars

Festus Chuma 09:00 - 20.01.2024

Ingwe aim for a third straight win against Nairobi City Star building on recent victories and rising momentum.

Twelve-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions AFC Leopards are set to take on Nairobi City Stars in a captivating encounter at Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Riding the wave of back-to-back victories, Leopards, currently positioned 13th with 21 points, have turned their fortunes around, much to the delight of their ardent supporters in Kakamega.

Their successive 1-0 triumphs over Muhoroni Youth and Ulinzi Stars have injected a renewed sense of optimism within the camp.

This weekend's match-up is more than just a game; it is a test of Leopards' resolve against the formidable Simba wa Nairobi, who are perched at second place with 33 points.

Nairobi City Stars have been in impressive form, not tasting defeat in their last nine outings. Their resilience and consistency make them a daunting opponent, with their last league loss dating back to November 1 against Murang’a Seal.

Adding to the intrigue, the spotlight will be on the prodigious seventeen-year-old striker, Mohamed Bajaber.

Bajaber has been nothing short of sensational, finding the back of the net in three consecutive wins against Kakamega Homeboyz, FC Talanta, and Posta Rangers. With five goals to his name, his contributions will be critical for the Leopards.

The first leg encounter between these two sides was a thriller, ending in a 3-2 victory for City Stars.

Nicholas Muyoti, the City Stars coach and a former Ingwe captain, knows the Leopards all too well, adding an extra layer of narrative to this clash.

The historical data leans slightly in favor of City Stars, who have emerged victorious in two of their last three meetings.

However, football is a game of the day, and past records often take a backseat when the whistle blows.

On Saturday, in another intriguing fixture, Shabana, under the guidance of Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo, are preparing to face Ulinzi Stars.

Ulinzi Stars, struggling for form with no wins in their last five matches, will be desperate to turn things around. Their 4-0 demolition of Tore Bobe in the first leg serves as a reminder of their potential.

Meanwhile, Bandari, set to host Kariobangi Sharks at Mbaraki Grounds in Mombasa, comes off a solid defensive display, having managed three clean sheets at home recently.

Kariobangi Sharks, licking their wounds after a defeat to Gor Mahia, will be eager to improve their league standings.

Their recent form, a mixed bag of results, suggests a team searching for consistency.

Finally, Saturday will also see KCB welcoming Muhoroni Youth at Thika Stadium, in what promises to be another exciting fixture in the Kenyan Premier League.

Saturday fixtures

Bandari v Kariobangi Sharks (Mbaraki, Mombasa)

Gor Mahia v Tusker ( Kenyatta, Machakos)

Shabana v Ulinzi Stars ( Raila Odinga, Homa Bay)

KCB v Muhoroni Youth ( Thika, Kiambu) 

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Sunday fixtures 

Kenya Police v Nzoia Sugar (Police Sacco, Nairobi)

FC Talanta v Bidco United (Kenyatta, Machakos, 1pm)

Posta Rangers v Murang’a Seal (Kenyatta, Machakos, 4pm)

AFC Leopards v Nairobi City Stars ( Bukhungu, Kakamega).