KCB FC will be in action on Sunday afternoon (1400EAT) aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table when they face a resurgent Shabana at the Gusii Stadium.
KCB will also look to end a four-match winless streak with their last victory coming in a 2-1 triumph over Talanta FC on November 22. Since then, they have been held to four consecutive draws: 1-1 against Police FC, 0-0 against Bidco United, 1-1 against Bandari and 0-0 with Sofapaka in their midweek encounter on Thursday.
In addition to dropping eight points in these four matches, Patrick Odhiambo’s side has managed to secure only two away victories out of six outings. However, they still sit at the top of the table with 24 points, three ahead of Bandari and Tusker who have both played one match less.
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On the other hand, Peter Okidi’s Shabana FC will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches after a dramatic midweek comeback where they scored a late equalizer to earn a draw against Gor Mahia.
A win for Shabana could propel them into fifth place with 20 points, tying with Police FC.
This will be the third encounter between the two sides and is expected to be a fiercely contested match. Last season, the teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the first encounter, while KCB secured a 3-2 win in the second meeting.
KCB have no reported injuries, so Patrick Odhiambo is likely to retain the squad that faced Sofapaka, with Francis Kahiro, who currently has seven goals, leading the attack alongside James Kinyanjui.
Shabana, however, will be forced to reshuffle their lineup after the departure of forward Mathew Tegisi, who moved to a Tanzanian club.
Tegisi, one of their standout players with five goals will be missed. Nevertheless, Brian Michira, with six goals, will lead the charge as they look to secure all three points.
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Elsewhere, two key matches are set to take place at the Dandora Stadium.
The first, at 1:00 pm, sees Tusker FC host Bidco United. Tusker are coming off a disappointing 4-1 defeat to AFC Leopards in the midweek match at the same venue.
A win for Charles Okere’s side would move them into first place or, at the very least, draw them level on points with KCB if the latter lose to Shabana.
Bidco United, who have managed only one win in their last five matches, will be hoping to slay another giant.
The second match, at 4:00 pm, sees AFC Leopards take on Sofapaka.
Sofapaka will aim to extend their unbeaten run to four matches and rebound from their 0-0 draw against KCB.
AFC Leopards, who come into the match on the back of a morale-boosting 4-1 win over Tusker, are currently in eighth place with 18 points and a win could see them rise to third.
Sofapaka, with 17 points, are in ninth place and a victory could propel them into fifth.
While these matches unfold, Murang’a SEAL will face Posta Rangers at the SportPesa Arena while Bandari will host Mathare United at the Ukunda Grounds.
Seal will be out to build on their 2-0 win last time out against Mathare United.
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