Tusker will aim to earn three points at home and move to the top of the table when they face Shabana on Wednesday 26 February at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos for the rescheduled FKFPL Week 22 match.
The match, which is set to kick off at 3:00 PM EAT, was originally scheduled for last Thursday at the same venue. However, the game was postponed due to another match involving Gor Mahia being played on the same day.
Tusker will be looking to bounce back from a series of frustrating results that has seen them endure three consecutive draws which have caused them to drop points and miss the opportunity to take control of the table.
The team was held to goalless draws by KCB, Kenya Police and Gor Mahia, leaving them in second place with 39 points.
A victory today would put them at the top, one point ahead, following Kenya Police’s defeat to Mathare United last week.
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However, securing all three points will not be a simple task for Charles Okere’s side.
They will face a determined Shabana, coached by Peter Okidi, who are also striving to return to winning form after going three matches without a victory.
Shabana were held to a 0-0 draw by Kariobangi Sharks at Gusii Stadium, before suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Posta Rangers, managed by their former coach Sammy Pamzo Omollo, at the Kenyatta Stadium.
They also dropped points at home in a goalless draw against Mathare United. These results have left them in ninth place on the standings with 29 points.
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Shabana look to iron out struggles against Tusker
Ahead of the match, Okidi acknowledged that Tusker’s current form makes them a formidable opponent. He emphasized the need for his team to be tactically prepared to counter Tusker’s strengths.
“We will go back to the drawing board. Tusker is currently on a good run, and we must realize that we are facing a team with experience in the league and quality players. Everyone will need to pull up their socks and work hard for the three points,” Okidi said after the Mathare match.
He also addressed Shabana’s struggles in front of goal, noting that their attacking play has been blunt in recent matches.
“Our main concern right now is our striking. It has been ineffective over the last three matches, which is a problem for both the team and the technical staff. Anyone who gets the opportunity to score must seize that chance,” he explained.
On the other hand, Tusker FC’s assistant coach, George Maina, acknowledged that the match would be challenging, especially after their loss in the first leg at Gusii Stadium. However, he remains optimistic that his team will secure all three points.
“It will be a tough match. We lost the first leg against them, so we have to ensure we take the points in Machakos. All we need is to prepare well,” Maina said after their win against Guschia FC in the FKF Cup.
This is expected to be an exciting clash, as both teams have strengthened their squads with new players. Despite both sides seeking to return to winning ways, they will also be competing for better positions on the table.
KCB vs Mathare United
Elsewhere, Mathare United will look to build on their 1-0 victory over Kenya Police FC when they visit KCB at the SportPesa Arena.
The Bankers also returned to winning form last week, securing a 1-0 win against Bandari FC and a win today could see them knock out Gor Mahia in the third place.
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