AFC Leopards will be back in action on Wednesday afternoon for their 24/25 Football Kenya Federation Premier League midweek clash against Shabana at Gusii Stadium.
Ingwe are fired up after missing the high-profile “Mashemeji Derby” against Gor Mahia over the weekend which was postponed due to the unavailability of a stadium to host the match.
Before the postponed derby, Ingwe had gone four matches without a win (2D 2L) and will be eager to break that streak.
The mounting pressure on the technical team from fans, who have been demanding better results, adds to the urgency.
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Their last league match before the international break saw the 13-time Football Kenya Federation champions held to a 1-1 draw by league newcomers Mara Sugar at Dandora Stadium.
The match was a tense one, with Sydney Lokale scoring an equalizer in the dying minutes that prevented Ingwe from dropping all three points.
On the other hand, Shabana has shown significant improvement under new head coach Peter Okidi with the team aiming to make up for a poor start to the season.
Shabana have secured two wins in their last two outings. They triumphed 1-0 over Police FC at Gusii Stadium, and after the international break, they traveled to the Sportpesa Arena where they narrowly defeated Murang’a Seals 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from Mathew Tegisi.
Shabana, currently in 11th place on the log with 9 points, will welcome Ingwe with confidence, buoyed by their memorable 4-3 victory in the second leg last season, after the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.
However, AFC Leopards in 7th place are having a solid season and will be determined to secure their first three points after going four matches without a win.
In another match on the same day, second-placed Mara Sugar will play Tusker FC at Dandora Stadium.
Mara Sugar, a surprise package this season, have impressed with four wins and just one loss in their debut top-tier campaign, and they will be looking to extend their strong form.
Tusker, who secured their third win of the season against Nairobi City Stars last weekend, will be keen to maintain their momentum.
The afternoon’s fixture will also feature a clash between Mathare United and Nairobi City Stars at the same venue.
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