The Football Kenya Federation 2024-25 season will enter its 20th week, featuring four thrilling matches on Saturday February 8 across various venues.
The anticipated matchup of the day will take place at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County where Tusker FC will host Kenya Police at 4:00 PM EAT.
This encounter is crucial for league supremacy as both teams are striving to claim the top spot.
Both sides have been in excellent form this season and are tied on points with only goal difference separating them. Kenya Police leads the pack with 37 points after 19 matches.
However, both teams are coming off setbacks from their most recent matches where Tusker was held to a 0-0 draw by KCB while Brian Okoth’s stoppage-time strike salvaged a point for Police who drew 1-1 with Sofapaka.
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Despite both teams having high stakes in the title race, the Etienne Ndayiragije-led side is the favorite, having gone unbeaten in their last 11 matches (9W 2D) since the Burundian took over.
In contrast, the Charles Okere-led Tusker have been solid, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches, with their only loss being a 2-1 defeat to Shabana earlier in January.
In the first leg, the two teams played to a 1-1 draw. Marvin Nabwire gave Police the lead in the first half before Lawrence Luvanda equalized for Tusker in the final minutes.
Okere is confident they will break down the Police defense as they remain the only team in the league with the best defensive record.
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“You improve with every game. In the second leg, we must score more goals and defend better,” Okere said in a pre-match interview.
Looking ahead to their pursuit of a 13th top-flight title, Okere acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic.
“Every game is tough, and playing against Kenya Police FC is like any other game. We need to remain calm, stick to our plan and handle the pressure well. We expect a positive match,” said Okere.
“A win on Saturday will take us to the top of the table and that is a huge motivation. Every game in this second leg is crucial,” he added.
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On his part, Ndayiragije is pleased with his team’s performance and was content with the point earned against Sofapaka last weekend.
“I am pleased with today’s team performance. We’ve earned a point and that’s what’s important. We’ll focus on the next match with confidence,” the Burundian tactician said after the Sofapaka game.
At 1:00 PM in the same venue, Bidco United will host Nairobi City Stars in a relegation battle, with City Stars’ coach Salim Babu seeking his first victory in his third match at the helm.
In Mombasa, Bandari FC will take on Sofapaka at Mbaraki Ground, while Gor Mahia will travel to Dandora Stadium to face Mathare United at 3:00 PM.
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