AFC Leopards on Wednesday host defending champions Tusker at Nyayo National Stadium in the highlight tie of Round 22 Football Kenya Federation Premier League matches.
League leaders Gor Mahia, who are six-points cleat at the top, also have a tough clash against Sofapaka at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
In total, nine matches will be played on Wednesday as the league resumes after the weekend break for FKF Cup pre-quarter-final matches.
Leopards versus Tusker has always been an explosive tie and this one will be no different with the two sides separated by a point in the standings.
While Tusker are second on 39 points from 20 matches, Leopards are third after garnering 38 points having played a game more. Gor Mahia lead the log on 45 points from 21 rounds.
Ingwe have not beaten Tusker in their last three matches. The last time the 12 time champions ran supreme over the brewers was on September 26, 2021.
In the first leg on December 4, Tusker narrowly edged Leopards 1-0 courtesy of Eric Mmata’s penalty in an ill-tempered game at Ruaraka.
Tusker are unbeaten in their their last seven matches in the league. They last dropped all three points in a 2-1 defeat to Gor Mahia on February 8, 2023.
Leopards assistant coach Tom ‘Gaza’ Juma told Nation Sport that they expect a good performance and maximum points against the holders.
“It will be a tough match but we call for fairness in officiating. Last time out Tusker players beat up a referee and FKF is yet to take action against them. We are ready for the game and are in the title race,” said Juma.
Ingwe will miss the services of Lewis Bandi and Ojo Olaniyi, who are out injured, while midfielder Musa Oundo is still not available as he is serving a two-match suspension.
Tusker coach Robert Matano expects a good game against Leopards, but asserted that losing is not an option at this stage of the league.
