Revamped Gor Mahia face Homeboyz test, AFC Leopards go Seal hunting

©Imago Images

FKF CUP Revamped Gor Mahia face Homeboyz test, AFC Leopards go Seal hunting

Festus Chuma 09:00 - 02.04.2023

A quarterfinal place will be at stake when Abana Abeingo and Seal host K'Ogalo and Ingwe, respectively.

A massively inconsistent Kakamega Homeboyz face off with defending champions Gor Mahia in the FKF Cup Round of 16 fixture at the Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Homeboyz advanced to this Round after beating minnows Shalimar 4-3 on penalties, while Gor Mahia defeated Kibera Soccer 1-0 in their Round of 32 clashes.

Abana Abeingo will be wary of Gor Mahia side, who are in high spirits from their recent huge league win against Vihiga Bullets.

Traveling to Bungoma has proven difficult for many teams, and the reigning champions will look to tread carefully.

Kakamega Homeboyz will look to Michael Karamor, who has been in great scoring form this season, having scored seven goals in all competitions, and the former Sofapaka striker could be the man to inspire his side to a win over K'Ogalo.

Gor Mahia, on their side, will be hoping Benson Omala continues his impressive form, having netted 19 goals this season.

Ugandan striker Patrick Kaddu has been identified as a threat to Homeboyz, with the player having scored a hat-trick in Gor Mahia's last outing.

In head-to-head stats, Kakamega Homeboyz and Gor Mahia met 16 times in all competitions, with K'Ogalo recording 10 wins while three matches ended in draws.

Gor Mahia also defeated Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 in the first-round FKF Premier League clash in Nairobi earlier this season.

AFC Player in past match against Bandari
© AFC Leoaprds

Meanwhile, ten-time champions AFC Leopards are scheduled to face Muranga Seal at Nyayo National Stadium.

Ingwe secured their place in the Round of 16 after defeating Division One outfit Zetech Titans 2-0 early last month.

Patrick Aussems, the AFC Leopards coach, is well aware that it won't be easy in Muranga Seal but has assured club fans that they will fight to be in the next stage.

"Murang'a Seal is a good team. It's going to be a very hard game. We played them on a very good pitch, beating them 3-1 in September last year, but we will have to be on toes as the current squad has players capable of surprising any team," he said.

Leopards dangerman is Cliff Nyakeya, with the striker having flourished under coach Patrick Aussems and he will be keen to inspire his side to victory.

They will face a Muranga Seal side that eliminated a tricky side Luanda Villa that nearly eliminated Ulinzi Stars last season.

Seal coach Vincent Nyaberi said they are not under pressure against Leopards, one of the favorites to win the trophy.

"Our opponents should be under pressure because they are a top tier team with a big history, while we are the underdogs."

Seal, who currently place second in the National Super League, will rely on their dependable striker John Kiplagat who is in great form this season.

Round of 16 Sunday fixtures: 

Kariobangi Sharks v Equity (Nyayo, 1pm) 

Kakamega Homeboyz v Gor Mahia (Bukhungu, 1pm) 

Murang'a Seal v AFC Leopards (Kasarani) 

Bandari v Mwatate United (Mbaraki) 

KCB v Bidco United (Nyayo, 3.15pm)