Jericho All Stars Vs Kayole Asubuhi
Jericho All Stars will re-ignite the fading embers of their thoroughly devastating 0-1 loss to Kayole Asubuhi last month when the two East conference titans go head to head in what is anticipated to be a high-octane quarter final tie of the SportPesa Super 8 Champions League slated for Sunday 23 October from 3:00PM.
This is one of four entertaining matches lined up at the Nairobi City Stadium as the first edition of the championship kicks-off with a promise of an eventful last eight clashes.
After the defeat extinguished their shot at the SportPesa Super 8 League title, Jericho will be out to hit back at Kayole who condemned them to second place finish after imperious dominance. But the fact that Asubuhi managed to hold on their nerves to eventually win the league two points clear of Jericho it spells all the ingredients of an explosive duel since the hosts are in dire need to progress to semis to keep alive their dreams of silverware consolation this term.
Asubuhi under the tutelage of ex-Gor Mahia defender Isaiah ‘Song’ Omondi have a clean record against All Stars. In two meetings, Asubuhi has taken more points, 4 out of six, including the dramatic-yet crucial home win against the Thomas Okongo led Jericho men in front of a stupendously packed City Stadium a few weeks ago.
Despite the ‘pre-match favourite’ tag, Omondi says it will be business as usual for the 2016 Sps8 League champs who are on course for a double of titles this season.
“This is a knock-out competition and every game counts but for us we are taking it seriously because every team wants to win. As a team we have our own goals to achieve before the year ends and so far I think we are heading for that.” a rather confident but composed Omondi said.
Jericho All Stars Team Manager Erick Agwanda downplayed suggestions that his side is under pressure from fans to deliver saying the squad is in great shape to beat Asubuhi.
He said: “I know our fans want it more but we have been training good in preparation for this match. It’s a good chance for us to revenge against Kayole when they last beat us here. We have full support of the fans who will be also be there in numbers to see this big match. We are not taking chances this time we have to execute this time.”
In other matches
Kawangware United Vs TUK
After falling flat in their attempt to retain the Sps8 League title this season, West side champs TUK collide with Francis Thancis Thairu Led Kawangware United in the third match of the day.
TUK who settled for third place finish in the league are desperate to snatch something before the year comes to a close and will be out for the crucial kill that could set them on path for champions glory by sneaking into the final with a possible triumph against the Dagoretti based outfit.
In two attempts, the Lukas Aluoch led university students have beaten Kawangaware once while away and drawing once and will head into the match as clear favourites.
Kawangware finished the league at 10th with 41 points thanks to Thairu’s 27 goals that steered them to the champions league.
Metro Sports Vs Shauri Moyo Blue Stars
Before that, at exactly 11:00 AM, an explosive East conference clash pities Metro Sports and Shauri Moyo Blue Stars.
Shauri have a spotless record against the Sportsmen whom they spanked home and away in the league where Blue Stars finished fourth with 55 points, just five adrift of Metro.
Ajax Vs Meltah Kabiria
Rongai based Ajax FC will open the days treat with a 9:00 AM kick-off date with Dagoretti’s Meltah Kabiria.
James Mukumu of Ajax has tipped his boys to shine in the match saying that his hope rest upon his clubs leading scorer Bedan Kagali (8) and Roy Ochieng to steer them past Melta whom they punished 2-0 in the first leg of the league while later drawing 2-2 away.
“It is going to be a tough match but we are prepared for it. Bedan has scored twice against them so am hoping he can be in good shape by Sunday. After missing the money bracket in the league, we are focused to bring the Champions League trophy to Rongai and if we beat them again this time it could be much better.” Mukumu said.
Ajax completed their 2016 Sps8 League campaign at 5th on 48 points while Melta were two points below.
FULL FIXTURE: SPS8 CL QUARTER FINALS
Ajax FC Vs Meltah Kabiria 9:00AM
Metro Sports FC Vs Shauri Moyo Blue Stars 11:00AM
Kawangware United Vs TUK 1:00PM
Jericho All Stars FC Vs Kayole Asubuhi FC 3:00M
#Sps8ChampionsLeague #WakilishaMtaaYako
