Pre Match: Chemelil (A)

Gregory Mulemi of Ingwefans writes:-

After last week’s disappointing result against Mathare United at the Nyayo national stadium, when they were held to a 2-2 draw, AFC Leopards really need to start picking up maximum points – they currently lie in 6th, a full 10 points Tusker fc. Thankfully both Sofapaka, Rangers, Gor Mahia, Chemelil sugar and Ulinzi stars dropped points too last week, but Leopards  missed out on the chance to capitalize on it.

Leopards created chances against the Slum Boys last Sunday but struggled to convert them – it was in this match that many fans felt dejected and disappointed with the way the Ingwe team played. Reliable Patrick Matasi let in two easy goals and this put him on the spotlight having been impressive in the previous encounters. The defence has been looking shaky especially on defending set pieces something that coach Jaan Koops and Mickey Weche should have worked on by now.

All of which puts Leopards in good shape – Brian Masiolo is back, the midfield has started to settle, with Bernard Mang’oli playing an integral part in the recent matches and the defence seem to have it pretty much nailed apart from the last match and the new inclusion of Robert Siongo is meant to make the defence even stronger. Utility Laurent Tumba is expected to move up front to help in the hunt of goals in the absence of Mike Baraza and Salim Kinje. Having impressed in the last match, Masiolo is expected to lead the attack with either Bagaye or Francis Chinjili.

Chemelil sugar  enter the tie in good form, on Monday, they drew 0-0 with FKL champions Gor Mahia at Karuturi showing that they have both the resolute defending and goal scoring needed to progress. With the team’s best scorer Victor Ochieng’ wanting to capitalize on the absence of Mike Baraza, the Harambee stars trialist will be looking for the elusive tenth goal having missed a penalty in the Monday fixture (ironically, Baraza scored from the spot kick against Mathare) Former Leopards’ Wellington Murwai and Georson Likono will want to prove a point as the two sides meet in a free to watch match at the chemelil complex. George Odera will want to prove to coach Edward Manoah and Mike Mururi that he deserves a first team berth.

In the last meeting the teams drew 1-1 and this shows how the two sides have great respect for each other.  It should be a close game.

Probable line ups

Chemelil Sugar: John Wahu, David Oriki, Wellington Murwai, Williys Ouma, Charles Odera, David Ajwang’, Smith Ooko, Georson Likonoh, Jmes Omino,Daniel Mutahi, Victor Ochieng’
Coach Edward Manoah, assistant Mike Mururi

AFC Leopards: Patrick Matasi, Edwin Wafula, Jonas Nahimana, Martin Imbalambala, Robert Siongo, Bernard Mang’oli, Oscar Kadenge, Charles Okwemba, Brian Masiolo, Jimmy Bageya, Laurent Tumba.
Coach Jan Koops, assistant Mickey Weche, TM Bernard Onyango