Kariobangi Sharks seek to extend impressive record against AFC Leopards

FKFPL Kariobangi Sharks seek to extend impressive record against AFC Leopards

Festus Chuma • 08:59 - 17.02.2023

Struggling Sharks will give it their all to end their winless streak when they play in-form Ingwe.

Kariobangi Sharks will face the high-flying AFC Leopards in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) clash at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, 19 February.

Sharks suffered a second defeat in their last five league games when they went down 2-1 at home to Mathare United in a midweek fixture.

Their assistant coach Ezekiel Seda praised AFC Leopards who he turned out for as a player    but he made it known that they want to win the match.

"Leopards are in form, and we respect them as a team because they are currently doing well in the league. We have to win the game but they're such a strong team," he said.

Fortune Omotto and Tyson Otieno are Kariobangi Sharks' key players, and the duo will be keen to play an important role in helping the side overcome Leopards.

Kariobangi Sharks are placed 13th on the FKF Premier League table with 16 points from 14 matches.

AFC Leopards extended their unbeaten run to seven league matches with a 6-0 whitewash of FC Talanta.

AFC Leopards are placed fifth on the FKF Premier League standings, eight points behind table leaders Nzoia Sugar as the 12-time Kenya champions look to cement their spot in the top five.

Patrick Aussems, the AFC Leopards coach, was impressed with his players in their last match against Talanta, and he believes his charges will carry the form into the clash against Sharks.

"The future is bright for AFC Leopards. I think this season we will fight for top two or three (finish), maybe more," said the tactician.

AFC Leopards captain Eugene Mukangula (Image: AFC Leopards)

Ingwe captain Eugene Mukangula is expected to make a start in the match after recovering from an injury that kept him sidelined for six weeks.

Leopards will, however, miss the services of dependable center-back Robert Mundenyu who is still on the treatment table nursing an injury.

In the head-to-head stats, Kariobangi Sharks and AFC Leopards have met in 11 league matches since 2017. Sharks have claimed four wins and suffered just two defeats while five matches have ended in draws.