FKFPL PREVIEW: AFC Leopards look to dislodge Gor Mahia from the summit with win over Nairobi United

An enterprising Nairobi United side will step onto Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday afternoon to face AFC Leopards in a rescheduled FKF Premier League showdown, with both sides targeting nothing short of maximum points.

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The fixture marks the first-ever competitive meeting between the two teams. Nairobi United are enjoying their maiden season in the top flight, while the sides have never crossed paths in the Mozzart Bet Cup either.

It sets the stage for a compelling contest between ambitious newcomers and one of Kenyan football’s tradition-rich but trophy-starved giants.

The match offers Nairobi United a chance to extend an impressive run against clubs backed by massive fanbases. Their recent sequence began late last year against Gor Mahia, a match that was abandoned in the 58th minute with the score level at 1-1 due to crowd trouble.

Last Sunday, the Naibois followed that up with a commanding 3-1 away victory over Shabana FC in Gusii, and they now take on another heavyweight in Ingwe.

AFC Leopards, who topped the league standings at the turn of the year, will be keen to bounce back. Ingwe surrendered first place after a surprise 1-0 defeat to Kakamega Homeboyz on Sunday and will be desperate to reclaim pole position when they host United, a side coached by their former captain and assistant coach Nicholas Muyoti.

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The build-up to the encounter was briefly disrupted by reports suggesting Muyoti had resigned. Nairobi United have since dismissed the claims, confirming that the former Kenya international remains firmly in charge and will be on the touchline for Wednesday’s clash at Nyayo Stadium.

Following the win over Shabana, Muyoti praised his team’s performance but warned against complacency, revealing plans to strengthen the squad in areas he feels need improvement.

“We dominated the game and defended well. I am happy we took our chances and scored. Even the penalty we conceded could have been saved because the goalkeeper went the right way. Every department was on point,” said Muyoti.

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“We will go back to the drawing board because there are a few areas we need to work on, especially in defence. We are looking to make several signings in January to reinforce both the defence and midfield,” he added.

Muyoti also lauded his side’s direct attacking approach, which he believes has been key to creating scoring opportunities.

“They have done a very good job for us in attack, and my prayer is that they continue the same way. Every time they get the ball, they use their greatest strength, which is pace.

That has allowed our number ten and other midfielders to get more goal-scoring chances. If we maintain that directness, I believe we will score more goals.”

For AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani, the match is close to a must-win affair. Victory in the Mashemeji Derby and the brief return to the summit had eased pressure from fans who had earlier called for his sacking, but another setback against Nairobi United would inevitably reignite the heat.

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