KCB will host Tusker FC at the Kasarani Annex on Sunday in a Sportpesa League Round 18 encounter, with kickoff scheduled for 3pm.
The match carries significant weight for both sides, the Bankers are looking to steady a shaky mixed run of form to maintain their top-six status while the Brewers are desperate to overturn a dismal start to 2026 and climb back into the title race.
KCB, currently sitting sixth on the log with 25 points, enter the tie under the leadership of Assistant Coach Paul Ogai with head coach Robert Matano absent due to family matters following the passing of his wife.
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Matano, who won three league titles with Tusker will not be able to face his former employers at a time when KCB’s momentum has cooled.
Tusker FC seek return to winning ways as they visit KCB
Despite a strong first half of the season, the Bankers are coming off a-1-0 win over Posta Rangers, a disappointing 2-0 loss to Nairobi United and a goalless draw with Kenya Police FC.
For the visitors, the pressure is mounting. Tusker FC occupies ninth place with 24 points and is reeling from a bruising start to the year, having conceded six goals in their last two outings including a heavy 4-0 defeat to AFC Leopards and a 2-1 loss at home to Bandari.
Under Coach Charles Okere, the Ruaraka-based side is viewing the start of the second leg as a reset button. A victory today would not only leapfrog them over KCB but also restore confidence in a squad that has struggled for consistency.
KCB will have to navigate the match without winger Stephen Etyang, who made a high-profile switch to Tusker FC just two days ago following the expiry of his contract.
December Kisaka is back to full fitness after an injury scare and should be available for selection.
Tusker FC are expected to hand a debut to new signing Stephen Etyang, who could feature against his former side immediately after joining on a one-year deal.
The Brewers are hoping Etyang provides the creative spark needed to fix a blunt attack. However, they remain without winger Curtis Wekesa, who left the club in December to join the Administration Police training college.
Ahead of the clash, Tusker FC Head Coach Charles Okere emphasized the need for tactical adjustment.
“We have tried to address areas that have been of concern especially defending. We have conceded six goals in two games which is not our standard. We have talked to individual players, applied group and team tactics to see where we improve on and get the moments right. It will be a tough game but we will be ready to match them on the pitch.”
On his part, KCB’s assistant coach Paul Ogai remained focused after the win over Posta Rangers last time out.
“Currently, we are on an upward trajectory despite recent results, so we expect to go into our next match with the belief that we will secure maximum points. I expect the boys to show up and play according to our game plan.”
The two sides met in the opening round of the 2025/26 season, where KCB emerged victorious with a 2-0 win thanks to Boniface Omondi brace.
The last five matches have been evenly matched with either side bagging two wins apiece and a draw.
- KCB: W-L-D-L-W-(8 points from last 15)
- Tusker FC: L-L-W-L-W (6 points from last 15)
Victory for KCB would cement their place in the top five, while a win for Tusker would see them jump into 6th place, potentially within 6 points of the league leaders depending on other results.