FKFPL PREVIEW: Gor welcome Shabana in battle of titans as survival fight continues

The Nyanza Derby pitting Kenyan giants Gor Mahia against Shabana FC highlights FKF Premier League match week 25, which takes center stage with four matches lined up for today, Saturday 21 March.

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Defending champions Kenya Police take on KCB, Mara Sugar face APS Bomet, while Bidco United clash with Sofapaka in a battle against relegation.

Ahead of today's matches, Gor Mahia are still at the summit of the league table with 53 points, seven points more than their arch-rivals AFC Leopards who are second, as Shabana close the top three with 40 points.

At the bottom of the table lies Sofapaka who are joined in the relegation zone by Ulinzi Stars and APS Bomet with 19 and 20 points respectively.

Gor Mahia vs Shabana

The highly anticipated clash between league leaders Gor Mahia and Shabana will be held at the Nyayo National Stadium from 1615hrs.

The two clubs are among the three most supported clubs in the country alongside AFC Leopards with both drawing the majority of their fanbase from the Nyanza region with the match expected to be of high octane.

PRE-MATCH ANALYSIS: Inside tactical fireworks expected in Gor Mahia vs Shabana league clash

K’Ogalo head into the match in great form and are currently on a 14-match unbeaten run in the league with 10 of those matches ending in victory including a 3-1 win over Ulinzi Stars in their last match, a momentum coach Charles Akonnor is eager to maintain.

“It is a very important match that we have to maintain the level of momentum that we have had. We have seen how they play a couple of times even though the coach is not there now but our focus remains on getting three points,” Akonnor told the club’s media.

With the fans expected to attract a large number of supporters and a previous record of hooliganism, Gor Mahia Secretary General Nick Arum has sent a message of confidence to both sets of supporters, noting that adequate security measures have been undertaken.

Gor Mahia release matchday guidelines ahead of Shabana tie at Nyayo

“We want to assure all fans that necessary security measures have been put in place to guarantee safety before, during and after the match. You are free to come and enjoy the game in a secure environment.

Fans should buy tickets, use advised gates and take up designated places to avoid unnecessary altercations,” read part of his statement.

In their past five recent meetings, Gor have won three as Shabana remain winless in recent times with their first leg match at Gusii Stadium ending in a barren draw.

Kenya Police FC vs KCB

Defending champions Kenya Police welcome KCB at the Police Sacco Stadium from 1500 hrs in the other match staged at Nairobi.

Police have had a poor season according to their recent standards, and find themselves sitting sixth on the log with 37 points, 16 off Gor Mahia with their title defense in disarray.

©Gad Isaac

The law enforcers have won just four of their last 15 league matches, drew eight times and tasted defeat three times including in their last league match against Posta Rangers.

They face an equally inconsistent KCB side that has won just three of their last 19 matches and are keen to improve on their eighth position with 34 points.

Bidco United vs Sofapaka

While there will be special interest in the title race, the battle against relegation will also draw attention with the match between Bidco United and Sofapaka at the Wang’uru Stadium from 1400 hrs drawing attention.

©Gad Isaac

Bidco are 15th on the log with 21 points, a place and a point above the relegation zone while Sofapaka are rooted at the bottom.

A win for either side will be a huge boost to their survival struggle. The first leg between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw.

Mara Sugar vs APS Bomet

At the Awendo Green Stadium, Mara Sugar will play host to Mozzart Bet-powered APS Bomet in a match scheduled for 1400 hrs.

©Gad Isaac

Mara are 11th on the league table with 29 points and have won two if their last five matches while the law enforcers are 16th on the log and with a poor run having failed to win any of their last five matches and have registered just a single win in their past 13 matches.