AFC Leopards suffer injury blow as key midfielder is ruled out of Nairobi City Stars tie

© AFC Leopards.

FOOTBALL AFC Leopards suffer injury blow as key midfielder is ruled out of Nairobi City Stars tie

Joel Omotto 12:21 - 03.11.2023

AFC Leopards will have to do without one of their key midfielders for the second match in a row as he continues to nurse an injury.

AFC Leopards will be without key midfielder Cliff Nyakeya for the second match in a row when they visit Nairobi City Stars at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.

Nyakeya suffered a calf injury during Ingwe’s 1-0 victory against Nzoia Sugar FC last weekend which ruled him out of the midweek clash with Kariobangi Sharks and Saturday’s match will come too soon for him.

The attacking midfielder had started all matches until his injury and Tomas Trucha’s side will hope to have him available next week before facing table toppers Posta Rangers.

“Cliff Nyakeya suffered a right calf muscle strain in our FKF-PL match against Nzoia Sugar FC at Sudi Stadium. He will resume training with the rest of the squad next week,” the club posted on social media on Friday.

“He missed our midweek match against Kariobangi Sharks and will also be sidelined tomorrow as we clash with Nairobi City Stars at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. We wish him a speedy recovery, and we are looking forward to seeing him back on the field soon.”

Nyakeya’s absence is a blow for Trucha who has just welcomed back midfielder Victor Omune after a long injury layoff.

The two are vital players for Ingwe who have endured a tough spell this season, managing just one win in nine matches.

Leopards have struggled to create chances, contributing to their meager goal return, as they have managed just four in nine matches, two of them coming from the penalty spot.

Trucha’s men are 14th on the log with eight points and the City Stars clash represents a chance to secure a second win of the season as Nicholas Muyoti’s men are equally struggling, sitting one place and a point above Ingwe.

Muyoti’s side have failed to win their last four matches, including three defeats, and Ingwe will hope to capitalise on their poor form but Simba wa Nairobi will draw inspiration from the two side’s last meeting when they won 2-1 in May to secure their top-flight status.

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