Troubled Shabana host Gor Mahia as Leopards entertain Sharks

Shabana FC are seeking to bounce back when they entertain Gor Mahia at the Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday 1 November afternoon.

The match was initially set to be played at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay, but due to the high turnout witnessed during Shabana FC games so far this campaign, the facility was deemed unfit to host the game against the record league champions, who enjoy massive support in Homabay.

The Glamour Boys will be hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s 4-0 drubbing by the Ulinzi Stars and the confusion that followed after head coach Sam Okoth resigned after the game and later recanted his words and reported for training on Monday. He is expected at the dugout against K’Ogalo.

Gor, on the other hand, will be hoping to make the most of the confusion at Shabana’s yard and bounce back from last weekend’s barren draw against Bidco United. Despite being the only unbeaten team in the league, Johnathan McKinstry’s men have won four and drawn a similar number of games and are currently second in the log behind surprise leaders Posta Rangers FC.

The match will be the first league meeting between the two sides in over 17 years. Ahead of the game, Gor Mahia coach McKinstry warns against undermining the wounded Shabana FC side.

Gor Mahia wary of Shabana's quest for a bounce-back

“We're expecting them to come fighting back. The minimum people expect when you've had a bad result is to come out to play with pride and passion. We know our guys are confident going into it; they enjoy playing in front of a large audience. We expect a colorful day in the stadium, and hopefully that energy transfers onto the pitch." He said.

Coach Okoth, whose future at the club remains a big doubt, will be hoping to avoid another mauling after suffering his worst career defeat on Sunday. “This is the worst defeat that I have ever picked since I started my career as a coach. I feel that it is the right thing to do at the moment. This is a team with a lot of fans, and they deserve much better than what happened today.” He stated.

At the Ulinzi Sports Complex, the AFC Leopards will be seeking their second win of the season when they welcome the Kariobangi Sharks.

Ingwe picked up maximum points for the first time this campaign on Sunday when they beat Nzoia Sugar at Sudi Stadium by a solitary goal, and coach Tomas Trucha will be out to get the job done against an unpredictable Sharks side. The William Muluya-led team beat Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 on Sunday, with Julius Masaba’s stoppage time goal settling the closely fought game.

FKF Premier League-Week Nine

Wednesday

1 PM: Bidco United vs. Muhoroni Youth FC

1PM: (2.35) FC Talanta (3.00) Nzoia Sugar FC (3.10)

3:15 PM: (1.90) Tusker FC (3.20) Ulinzi Stars (4.10)

3 PM: (2.45) AFC Leopards (2.95) Kariobangi Sharks (3.00)

4 PM: (3.90) Shabana FC (3.10) Gor Mahia (2.00)

3 PM: (2.50) Bandari FC (2.95) Kenya Police FC (2.90)

3 PM: Murang'a Seal FC vs. Nairobi City Stars

3:15 PM: (1.45) KCB FC (3.70) Sofapaka FC (8.50)