Suprise package Talanta host Posta Rangers hoping to continue with winning run
After conceding a cheeky goal in their 1-0 defeat at the hands of AFC Leopards in a midweek Kenyan Premier League match, Posta Rangers have sounded war drums ahead of their weekend match against giant-killers FC Talanta.
Leopards’ striker Washington Munene must have surprised many not least himself when he scored past goalkeeper Jairus Adira from a harmless-looking free-kick after Nigerian striker Fasanmi Ojo was upended outside the box.
Rangers’ coach Stanely Okumbi rued the manner in which his charges succumbed to Ingwe at Nyayo Stadium in a match which saw the mailmen oversee large swathes of the match.
“Everyone who was there saw that we held sway and played some good football but all in all, scoring is what matters of which we came short of.
We went back to the drawing board and I must say that since then, there is a sense of collectivity amongst players who are yearning to make amends,” said Okumbi.
Against Leopards, the mailmen were alluring and were only undone by lack of accuracy upfront and one hopes that the likes of Gearson Likono and Brian Brian will carry along their scoring boots when they face Talanta.
However, in Talanta, Rangers will be up against newbies who are increasingly showing scant respect to experienced sides with Bidco United their latest victims after whacking them 2-1.
For goals, Talanta are expected to lean heavily on Edwin Lavatsa and Brian Yakhama, who have been outstanding for the Communications Authority-sponsored side since the season got underway.
In Ruaraka, Tusker will be up against Sofapaka in what is easily the weekend’s highlight.
The match pits two evenly matched sides but it could be safe, truly safe, to say that Tusker will be the ones under pressure to win considering that they are placed in an odd 15th position in the standing.
Further, Tusker will be angling to cast away the disappointment of being eliminated by Tunisian club CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup, which is the reason why Sofapaka should be extra cautious in the encounter.
At Utalii ground, KCB, who drew 0-0 with Bandari in their latest fixture will train their guns on Ulinzi Stars as Gor Mahia entertain Bandari at Nyayo National Stadium.
On Thursday in a midweek clash, Gor were utterly ruthless against Vihiga Bullets, beating them 3-0 and the marksmen of the day including George “Blackberry” Odhiambo, Boniface Omondi and Peter Lwasa will once again be relied on to pep up the multiple champions.
In Kakamega, fans should be treated to a thriller in the Ingo Derby between AFC Leopards and Vihiga Bullets.
On paper, Leopards start favourites but they ought not underrate Bullets who are seeking to haul themselves up from the basement of the league by any means possible.
