Perennial rivals Gor Mahia and Tusker are set to lock horns on Sunday in the second Top Eight semifinal clash at Nyayo National Stadium.
Israel Mpaima will be the centre referee assisted by Tony Kidiya, who will be serving as the first assistant and Joshua Achilla from Mombasa who will be the second assistant.
Both teams have won the tournament twice and Gor will be keen to defend the trophy they won last year after beating Sony Sugar. Tusker is devoted to revenge after Gor eliminated them from this stage in last year’s competition.
K’Ogalo go into the match in good form after winning all their matches in May. Lying fourth, KOgalo who are fourth on the chart, with 26 points are expected to parade their new signings that include former Western Stima hitman Baron Oketch and Wellington Ochieng from Muhoroni Youth among others.
Head coach Ze Maria Ferreira, admitted recently after a friendly match against Naivas FC at Camp Toyoyo, that they would love to retain the crown and will do all it takes to kick Tusker out of the race.
Tusker on the other hand, are in dire need of a win in order to keep up with the title race.
Paul Nkata has been busy in the transfer window releasing three while he has been linked with a few big name signings.
Muhoroni Youth vs Ulinzi Stars
Muhoroni Youth will look to continue their fairytale run in the Top Eight when they face Ulinzi Stars in the first leg of their semifinal encounter at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
Muhoroni qualified to the semis, after trouncing Sofapaka 3-0 while Ulinzi Stars dispatched AFC Leopards 3-2 at the same venue.
The hosts are looking to get a positive result as they hunt for their first ever silverware while the Nakuru soldiers will be aiming to replicate their 2011 performance which saw them clinch the trophy.
It will be a tough debut for Bobby Ogolla who has been appointed head coach replacing James Omondi, who was shown the door two weeks ago.
Assistant coach Tom Juma has been in charge since Omondi’s departure.
“It is good to get a point against big teams like Ulinzi Stars, so now our focus is to reach the finals of the Top Eight. I know we are able to achieve that feat if we play with determination and utilise our chances. No team is unbeatable.”
“We want to build a strong team which will finish in a respectable place. I came in recently and I can say the players have determination and zeal to tackle Ulinzi. We have gelled well and we don’t have any serious injuries to worry us.”
They face an Ulinzi side who are second in the league standings with 27 points, two behind leaders Tusker.
Coach Robert Matano is expected to parade his usual key players that include goalkeeper James Saruni who will be shielded by Brian Birgen, Geoffrey Kokoyo, Omar Mbongi, and Hamisi Abdallah.
Erick Apul and Joseph Kuria will man the midfield while Kevin Amwayi, Enosh Ochieng, Mark Makwatta and Daniel Waweru will go upfront for goals.
