Gor Mahia seek to extend unbeaten run as second leg begins

And so after a grueling first half of the season, Saturday will present the beginning of the second leg, with it, a chance for teams to tighten their strong forms, while others, to salvage what’s left.

With only two games lined up this afternoon, it is only right that the leaders, who are still unbeaten and hopefully want to go the full distance unblemished, are in action.

Gor Mahia vs Kariobangi Sharks

Even by coach Johnathan McKinstry’s standards, 37 points promised by the halfway point of the season last August could have been welcome.

That’s the number of points the defending champions have accrued this season thanks to their 10 wins and seven draws.

“We are expecting an even tougher challenge to be honest,” McKinstry said in the build-up to the Sharks game slated for Machakos Stadium from 1500 EAT. “We all know that the second leg teams regroup, sign new players and coaches; just new setups of our opponents. But we have done extremely well so far and we know that in our next games, teams are going to be out to take our scalps and there is none bigger than Gor Mahia’s, especially on such a good run.

“It is going to be twice as difficult.”

Perhaps they will draw inspiration from Benson Omala’s late finish on their day’s opponents last month in a 2-1 win, or maybe the fact that they are yet to lose to William Muluya’s squad since July 2021 - when Eric Kapaito used to suit up for them.

K’Ogalo will however be without last week’s match winner Kennedy Onyango who is out on suspension, while Sharks will be hoping to see either Victor Ngume or Ian Karani make starts.

Bernard Jairo on the other hand, has resumed training.

Kakamega Homeboyz vs Bandari

After a run of five consecutive shut-out victories, sixth-placed Kakamega Homeboyz will hope that fortune will turn to their favor when they host a resurgent Bandari at Bukhungu Stadium after losing three straight without a goal.

Their opponents, winners of six of their last ten games, have been the talk of the town in the midseason transfer window - linked to KCB trio of Bryne Omondi, Francis Kahiro and Apollo Otieno plus heavily linked with a move for Tusker right back Daniel Sakari - but hold the fact that a win will see them leap to second place on the log.

The same feat befalls the hosts, but they will need to find their scoring boots first.

Game kicks off at 1500 EAT.

FKF PREMIER LEAGUE - WEEK 18

SATURDAY

1500: (2.55) Bandari (2.95) Kakamega Homeboyz (2.85)

1500: (1.65) Gor Mahia (3.40) Kariobangi Sharks (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***

SUNDAY

Nairobi City Stars vs Posta Rangers

Nzoia vs Shabana

Tusker vs Sofapaka

Ulinzi Stars vs KCB

Murang'a Seal vs FC Talanta

Muhoroni Youth vs AFC Leopards

Bidco United vs Kenya Police