AFC Leopards' Allan Kateregga celebrates after scoring the winning goal in their 2-1 win against new boys Nzoia United in Machakos. [PHOTO/futaa.com]
As AFC Leopards host Nyanza-based Muhoroni Youth at the Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa today Sunday, a lot will be at stake for both teams.
First, Ingwe are hoping that they win with a sizable goal margin to rise back to second position and heap more pressure in the hopes that leaders Gor Mahia and second-placed Ulinzi will falter.
For Muhoroni, a win is a must to raise them from the danger of a relegation zone because should Stima and Sharks earn themselves a win a piece or draws of any magnitude, the millers will demote themselves to the dungeons of relegation with just four points after five outings.
HISTORY
The two teams have had a total 10 encounters in the Kenyan Premier League.
Both have won four times apiece and drawn on two occasions.
Out of the total 21 goals scored between them, Leopards enjoy a 12-goal lead while Muhoroni come with the remaining 9.
However, Muhoroni have of late dominated the Leopards, beating them both home and away in the 2016 season to claim the bragging rights.
The last time Leopards beat the sugar-belt boys was in 2015 when Jackson Saleh and Jacob Keli, both of whom have transferred, scored to hand Ingwe a 2-0 win.
LAST FIVE ENCOUNTERS
AFC Leopards 1-2 Muhoroni FC
Muhoroni FC 1-0 AFC Leopards
Muhoroni FC 1-1 AFC Leopards
AFC Leopards 2-0 Muhoroni FC
AFC Leopards 0-0 Muhoroni FC
GOALS
For Muhoroni, their last trip to Mombasa a fortnight ago saw them open up to Bandari three times in a humiliating 3-0 away loss. The side has scored just a single goal this season and conceded four times. Coach James Omondi will therefore be tasked to find a sharp-edge striking formula to nip Ingwe right in the bud.
Ingwe have on the other hand gone in the last two games without a goal. They have conceded twice. Without their striking revelation Paul Kiongera to partner with Ghanaian danger-man Gilbert Fiamenyo, the blue hoops will hope to find a miracle in coach Stewart Hall's selection to bring a win home.
After sustaining an injury, dependable defender Abdalla Shittu will miss the outing and Hall will have to either change the defence order of six legs or find a powerful replacement for Shittu to avoid conceding from Muho.
PREDICTION
Well, the prediction is all yours. Enjoy it as you have the facts.
For me, 3-1 for the home side will do.