FKFPL Weekend Review: Gor host Tusker as Police aim to extend lead with victory against Bidco

Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos is set to be a busy venue this weekend as it hosts four FKFPL fixtures including title challenging titans Gor and Tusker. The title challenge and relegation battles for the League are set to continue this weekend as the league enters matchweek 21, with nine matches lined up, beginning Friday.

Gor eyeing to catch Tusker and Police

Third-placed Gor Mahia will host second-placed Tusker at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Sunday. The most anticipated clash could have huge impact on the title race, with Tusker aiming to stay close to league leaders Kenya Police while Gor aim to close the gap to the top two.

K’Ogalo comes into this fixture on 34 points four adrift of both Tusker and Police who are tied at the top.

The two titans come into this fixture boosted by fine form with the hosts losing once and winning thrice in five fixtures while the Brewers boast of an unbeaten run of five matches despite back-to-back stalemate draws.

Thirteen-time champions, Tusker won the first leg of this encounter 2-1 with both goals coming from league’s top scorer Ryan Ogam. Austine Odhiambo got the consolation goal for K’Ogalo.

The record league champions, Gor Mahia, came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Mathare last weekend while Tusker were held to a consecutive barren draw by league leaders Police.

Charles Okere- the Ruaraka-based side coach urged his strikers to put on a strong show when they play K’Ogalo this weekend, following two disappointing displays.

“We have been getting off to a great start in the first half, creating a lot of chances, but we struggle in front of the opponent’s goal,” Okere remarked.

“The problem is lack of poise and we are unable to complete the opportunities that we have established. We must put more effort into this area if we want to win such close, strategic games.”

On the other hand, new Gor head coach Sinisa Mihic will want to prove his words ‘I excel under pressure’ and deliver his second successive win with Tusker posing as the best pressure for the Croat.

Police aims to open gap

League leaders Kenya Police have shaken off their early season struggles to establish an unbeaten run of 12 games under tactician the Burundian Etienne Ndayiragije.

The Law-enforcers aiming for their maiden league title will aim to amend their struggles and return to winning ways after two consecutive nil-nil draws against title rivals Tusker, and Sofapaka.

The league leaders will host bottom-placed Bidco United at Kenyatta Stadium on Saturday.

While Police are atop the table, Bidco struggles at the foot of the table with just 18 points and face relegation to National Super League if they don’t turn their fortunes.

With the title at stake, where a win for Police will pull them away from Tusker and boost their title chase hopes, the home Ndayiragije charges will aim for nothing short of victory.

Bandari and KCB not to be ruled out

Fourth and fifth in the standings, KCB and Bandari should also not be ruled out of the title race bearing in mind both are six points off the top. Both tied on 32 points will look to keep their title hopes alive when they square it off against Sofapaka and Talanta at Kenyatta and Mbaraki Stadiums respectively.

A win for both and favorable results from their opponents- draw from the three teams ahead- could see them close the gap to a maximum of four points.

Mid-table clashes gaining momentum

AFC Leopards will be away to Mara Sugar in Awendo in an intriguing mid-table clash. Leopards, currently sixth on 30 points, need a win to push for the top four, while Mara Sugar, ninth on 25 points, will aim to close the gap on the teams ahead.

Shabana will wrap up the weeknd fixtures on Sunday against Mathare United at Gusii Stadium as they aim to solidify the mid-table standings.

Meanwhile, Ulinzi Stars will battle Murang’a Seal at SportPesa Arena with both sides eager for three points to solidify their mid-table standings.