Gor face Sharks, Leopards tackle Police as Tusker welcome Sofapaka

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FKFPL Gor face Sharks, Leopards tackle Police as Tusker welcome Sofapaka

Festus Chuma 08:50 - 09.04.2023

While the Christian world commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, local soccer lovers will have plenty to look forward to as the FKFPL has lined up a number of matches countrywide Easter Sunday.

The matchday 23 fixtures of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) will be played across the country on Easter Sunday.

Gor Mahia who are occupying the top spot, and defending champions Tusker both have tricky ties ahead of them.

K'Ogalo will be playing at home against Kariobangi Sharks, and the Brewers are wary of the Sofapaka, who are placed 12th on the log.

Having dropped two points in the mid-week match against the Batoto ba Mungu, Gor Mahia desperately wants a win in the Easter Sunday clash as they continue with their quest to win 20th league title.

"It's either now or never. We already have the edge over our rivals at the summit of the table, and all we need to do is to ensure we don't slip further in our subsequent matches," Gor Mahia coach McKinstry said.

On the other hand, Kariobangi Sharks beat Bidco United 2-1 away on Wednesday.

In the past five matches between Gor Mahia and Kariobangi Sharks, K'Ogalo have won two while Sharks have claimed one win, with the other two matches ending in stalemates.

In another match of the day, Tusker will have to be at their best to beat Sofapaka, who have yet to taste defeat in their last five matches.

The Batoto ba Mungu desperately need points when they visit Ruaraka Stadium at 3 pm and will need maximum points to move away from the bottom eight.

Tusker must win to close the gap between them and table leaders Gor Mahia and give fans hope of retaining the league title.

Elsewhere, AFC Leopards are set for a tricky encounter against the impressive Kenya Police.

Under coach Francis Baraza, Police have been one of the most impressive campaigners this season, and coming up against a side who have scored four goals in the last eight games, could be better for the South C's-based outfit.

AFC Leopards are coming off a disappointing 1-0 defeat in the hands of Tusker but will hope to bounce back.

Cliff Nyakeya will be the player to watch, having netted six goals this season and contributed five assists.

The former Masr attacking midfielder is likely to test a Police FC defense that has conceded just 13 goals in 20 games.

Meanwhile, after suffering a humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of Bandari in a midweek fixture, Ulinzi Stars will face KCB in what is expected to be a humdinger League clash.

Ulinzi and KCB have met in 23 top-flight league matches, and both have claimed eight wins each while seven games have been drawn.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Kasarani Annex in January, they played out a goalless draw. KCB's last top-flight league win over Ulinzi was recorded in December 2021.

Easter Sunday also features Nzoia Sugar hosting Bidco United at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma. Still, there will also be an interest in a clash at Bukhungu Stadium, where Vihiga Bullets will face Mathare United.

In the early afternoon game, FC Talanta hosts Wazito at Ruaraka Grounds for what could be a thrilling encounter, and at Police Sacco Stadium, Nairobi City Stars will entertain Posta Rangers.

Fixtures

Vihiga Bullets v Mathare United (Bukhungu, 1pm)

FC Talanta v Wazito (Ruaraka Grounds, 1pm)

Nairobi City Stars v Posta Rangers (Police Sacco)

Nzoia Sugar v Bidco United (Sudi)

Ulinzi v KCB (Ulinzi Sports Complex)

Gor Mahia v Kariobangi Sharks ( Kasarani Stadium)

Kenya Police v AFC Leopards ( Nyayo)

Kakamega Homeboyz v Bandari (Bukhungu, 3.15pm)

Tusker v Sofapaka ( Ruaraka 3.15pm)