AFC Leopards looking to hand KCB first defeat of the year

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FKFPL AFC Leopards looking to hand KCB first defeat of the year

Festus Chuma 10:13 - 25.02.2023

KCB are the only side yet to taste defeat in 2023.

KCB's new-found form will be put to the test when they face AFC Leopards at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Sunday afternoon.

The Bankers maintained their 10-game unbeaten run with a 3-0 away win over Vihiga Bullets in their last league fixture.

KCB are the only team in the league yet to taste defeat this year, as their last loss came way back before Christmas when they fell 2-1 at the hands of defending champions Tusker FC.

However, the Bankers have performed dismally at home, claiming just eight points from a possible 21 points this season.

Against Leopards, KCB will be looking to their marksman Kennedy Owino who has scored two goals in the past two matches.

Another player to watch is Michael Mutinda, who will be tasked to assert his dominance on the tie in midfield, particularly in coming up against a Leopards outfit that likes to keep the ball moving in the middle of the park.

The Bankers' coach, Zedekiah Otieno, will want to see his charges continue with a winning form.

"We are professionals, the boys are also professional, they know what is required of them and that is not a problem for us. We know what is required from us as the technical bench, we just have to keep on working hard and remain focused," said Zico at the beginning of the year when he was asked the reason behind his team's good run this season.

KCB are second on the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) table with 33 points from 16 matches.

AFC Leopards, on their side, have also enjoyed a good run of results, and they are yet to taste defeat in their last eight matches.

In their last outing, Ingwe were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Kariobangi Sharks. They dominated that game where they missed converting two open chances that could have won them the match.

Reflecting on the game against Sharks, Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems mentioned that his side will need to take it up a notch higher and always try to avoid defeat.

"We deserved to get goals in this game; a draw is fair, but it's our seventh game with a clean sheet. When we are not able to win, then we should not be able to lose," said Aussems.

Nigerian import Ojo Olaniyi will lead the hunt for goals for Leopards. The forward has the ability to get beyond players, while his eye for the final pass will also be crucial in attacking KCB's strong defensive unit.

In the head-to-head stats, KCB and AFC Leopards have met 11 times since 2014. The Bankers have won two compared to four for the Ingwe, while five matches have been drawn.