Another installment of Mashemeji Derby to highlight today’s FKF Premier League
The Mashemeji Derby this afternoon at Kasarani Stadium will be the highlight of the FKF Premier League with seven matches lined up today across the country.
AFC Leopards who are currently fifth on the log with four points off two matches are expected to field a largely inexperienced side against their traditional nemesis.
Ingwe lost about 17 of their stars in the off-season but have surprised friend and foe by picking points against the top two teams last season in their first two matches of this campaign.
Gor Mahia, who are seventh on the log with three points and match in hand over their rivals, come into this tie buoyant having won two competitive matches.
Their 3-1 demolition last Friday of Al Ahly Merowe of Sudan in the first leg of CAF Confederation Cup preliminaries away in Egypt was testament to growing confidence in Mark Harrison’s side.
K’Ogalo’s only domestic win so far is their first round match against KCB in a duel the 19-time champions triumphed 2-1.
The crossover of Austin Odhiambo and Yusuf Mainge from the Den to K’Ogalo is likely to spice things up in this derby which has seen Gor Mahia dominate for the past six years.
Also of consideration is the good form of youngster Benson Omalla who has three goals in all competitive matches for K’Ogalo this campaign.
Attack trident
Despite the exodus, Ingwe have, however, retained some good talent like Marvin Nabwire, Peter Thiongo, Washington Munene and Eugene Mukangula.
Captain Isaac Kipyegon is expected to not only be the leader but marshal the defense against an array of attack from Gor Mahia in the form of Samuel Onyango, Jules Ulimwengu, Peter Lwasa and Boniface Omondi.
In the last three corresponding fixtures, Leopards and Gor have drawn with Gor Mahia winning the FKF-Betway Cup in August through post-match penalties.
Meanwhile, current league leaders Bandari FC will be relishing a shot at visiting Posta Rangers at their Mbaraki Grounds.
Posta under Stanley Okumbi are coming off a morale-boosting 4-0 thrashing of newbies Vihiga Bullets FC last Friday.
The Mailmen are currently sixth on three points off two matches and will likely field the attack trident of Timothy Otieno, Brian Marita and Victor Ndinya to hunt for goals.
However, the hosts under Andre Casa Mbungo will have captain Felly Mulumba and Rogers Aloro on full-alert but also rely on the likes of Umar Kasumba and John Mwita to hunt for three points.
Elsewhere, newcomers FC Talanta welcome last season runners-up KCB FC at Utalii Grounds.
The Bankers under Zedekiah Otieno have only one point in two matches in what has been an unsatisfactory start to the campaign.
Otieno has the opportunity to change the tide against the newcomers who are also on one point and 10th in the log.
Both sides made significant signings in the off-season that have yet to make considerable impact.
