High flying Gor Mahia eye Sofapaka scalp as battle for top spot heats up in midweek clashes

Record Kenyan league champions Gor Mahia are bidding to get their third consecutive win when they host Sofapaka at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in one of the seven Football Kenya Federation Premier League midweek fixtures.

Following their tough away victory over the weekend against Kakamega Homeboyz, the Johnathan McKinstry-coached side are keen to maintain their current rich vein of form knowing that a big win could see them climb to the top of the table should the likes of current log leaders Tusker, Nzoia Sugar and KCB, who are ahead of them on the standings, fail to secure victory.

The team is also buoyed by the fact that they have never tasted defeat to Sofapaka since May 2021 in the three matches they have played between themselves (W2 D1).

Also boasting of having the league’s current top scorer in Benson Omala, who has six goals in the opening seven matches, K’Ogalo are intent on masterminding what could be another crucial victory in their quest to end their two-year title drought.

“What is important right now is that we maintain our consistency. We have come from an important victory and we have to focus again on the next match. They (Sofapaka) will not make it easy for us but we will have to ensure we are on our best to get the three points,” Omala said.

Having tasted their first defeat of the year last weekend in a 1-2 loss against City Stars, Sofapaka, on their part, are hoping to bounce back immediately when they confront the 19-time Kenyan champions.

Ahead of the clash, head coach David Ouma has challenged his side to take their chances in a game which he predicted will see minimal chances.

“We know they are a good team and they have the momentum right now as they sit in fourth place on the log meaning they are doing something right. We are also doing something good with a relatively young team which makes me not to panic as we prepare for the match. what we have to do is to develop the game, enjoy it and above all show composure in the penalty box,” he stated.

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The match will kick off at 1500EAT.

Kariobangi Sharks vs Vihiga Bullets - 1300EAT

In the first match of the day, William Muluya's Kariobangi Sharks will be hoping to add onto their only win of the campaign so far after seven matches (W1 D4 L2) when they host an equally struggling Vihiga Bullets who come visiting at the Kasarani Annex Stadium.

Sharks are currently placed in 13th place on the log on seven points, four ahead of Bullets (W1 L4) who are second last on the log table.

Tusker vs Talanta

Reigning league champions Tusker FC are looking to arrest their two-game slump when they come up against a resurgent FC Talanta on Wednesday 18 January at the Ruaraka Stadium at 3 PM.

The Brewers have failed to win their last two games, registering their maiden loss of the season against Bandari FC a fortnight ago before picking up a barren draw against surprise second-placed Nzoia Sugar FC over the weekend.

Talanta on the other hand overwrote their four match losing streak over the weekend by coming from behind to beat Mathare United 3-2 courtesy of a hat-trick from Brian Yakhama.

Tusker head coach Robert Matano was confident of his side making amends after their two-game winless run adding that they are still on the forefront of retaining their title.

“We will bounce back, that is football, you lose, you draw or win, we are still in the race and we are very strong contenders,” said Matano.

Nzoia Sugar vs Wazito

Nzoia Sugar FC are making a strong claim to be the dark horse of the 2022-2023 season and are seeking a return to winning ways when they face a rejuvenated Wazito FC at the Sudi Stadium in a 3 PM kick off.

The Millers have however squandered chances of capturing the summit of the log having registered back to back draws against Kakamega Homeboyz and Tusker FC which is by no means an easy feat.

Nzoia’s success has been built on a sturdy defense that has only shipped in four goals with Gor Mahia’s rearguard being the strongest having leaked three goals but have played two games less.

Wazito on the other hand have pulled themselves out of the red zone with back to back victories over Vihiga Bullets and AFC Leopards which mark their only victories of the season.

Nairobi City Stars vs KCB

Nine games into the season, Nairobi City Stars finally picked their first victory of the season and will be looking to build on the win when they face KCB FC at Kasarani Annex in a 3:15 PM kick off.

Despite the victory, Simba wa Nairobi have a lot to do to get themselves out of the relegation zone with Mathare United and Vihiga Bullets who are below them having played two games less.

City Stars head coach Nicholas Muyoti admitted that the confidence gained from their win against Sofapaka over the weekend will come in handy in their next matches.

“I cannot say that we are there yet, we still have some tough matches coming, with the same kind of display and spirit. I believe the matches ahead are going to be much easier because our confidence will carry us,” said Muyoti.

The Bankers on the other hand have registered a perfect start to the year winning all their three games which takes them to just a point within Tusker FC as they have thrust themselves back into the early title race.

Ulinzi Stars vs Bandari FC

At the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang'ata, Ulinzi Stars play host to Bandari FC at 3 PM.

The Soldiers are seeking to bounce back to winning ways after playing a barren draw against Kenya Police on Saturday while the Dockers will focus on building on their win over Vihiga Bullets.

Only four points separate the two teams, although Bernard Mwalala's charges have played a match more.

Ulinzi's initial dominance in the tie has been neutralized in the recent past and one would have to go all the way back to 2019 to find a home win for the Soldiers in the match.

For a team that had issues scoring last season, the four-time champions are second on the team scoring chart with 12 goals, with only Tusker FC having a better record with 13.

After going for five matches without a win, Bandari turned their fortune with a win against Tusker FC, then followed it up with another win over Bullets and they will be looking for their third consecutive victory.

AFC Leopards vs Mathare

12-time Kenyan champions take on Mathare United at Nyayo Stadium at 3 PM seeking to bounce back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats to Bidco United and Wazito FC.

Ingwe started out the campaign strongly with a win over Ulinzi Stars but their performance has dwindled with each passing match, leaving them 12th on the log with just eight points from as many matches.

Mathare United on the other hand are struggling to nail their first win of the season after five matches, having come so close in the loss to FC Talanta last weekend.