AFC Leopards face crucial Ulinzi test as title race intensifies

AFC Leopards attacking midfielder Hassan Beja/HANDOUT 

AFC Leopards will seek to keep their Sportpesa League title hopes alive when they host Ulinzi Stars in a rescheduled fixture at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, on Wednesday.

Ingwe head into the match under mounting pressure, knowing another setback could severely damage their pursuit of a first league title in 28 years.

Leopards are second on the table with 58 points from 30 matches, seven behind leaders and rivals Gor Mahia, who have played a game more. Victory over Ulinzi would reduce the gap to four points with only three matches remaining.

Fred Ambani’s side revived their campaign with a 2-1 win over Mara Sugar at the same venue on Saturday to end a two-game losing streak — Gor Mahia (1-0) and Kenya Police (3-0).

Ulinzi, meanwhile, are fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone. The soldiers sit 16th with 32 points but have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, losing only once in their last five league matches.

The visitors secured important victories over Bandari and KCB during that run before settling for a goalless draw against Shabana in their last outing.

Historically, Leopards have enjoyed a slight advantage in the fixture. Out of 36 meetings, Ingwe have won 17 matches compared to Ulinzi’s 13.

The first-leg clash played in December ended 2-1 in favour of Leopards, with Tyson Otieno and Victor Otieno finding the net.

Leopards midfielder Hassan Beja said the team understands the importance of the match in the context of the title race.

“We know what is at stake for the club and the supporters. This is a crucial period for us... every point matters now,” Beja said.

“The players are focused and determined to keep fighting until the end of the season. Ulinzi are a difficult side, but we believe we have enough quality and experience to handle the pressure and get the result we need.”

Ambani warned his players against underestimating Ulinzi.

“They are a disciplined team and they have improved a lot in recent matches. Teams fighting relegation are always dangerous because they play with urgency,” Ambani said.

“The objective is simple. We have to remain consistent and keep winning our matches if we want to stay in the title race. The players understand the responsibility ahead of them.”

Ulinzi will once again rely heavily on striker Paul Okoth, who has been among the league’s standout performers this season.

The forward has scored 14 league goals and remains firmly in contention for the Golden Boot award in his debut top-flight campaign.

Okoth said Ulinzi are determined to continue their recent improvement despite facing one of the league’s strongest sides.

“We respect AFC Leopards and we expect them to put up a vicious fight because they are competing for the title, but we are also fighting for important points,” Okoth said.

“Our recent performances have given us confidence and we want to continue pushing away from the relegation zone. Personally, I always want to help the team with goals and hard work.”

Ulinzi coach Mulinge Ndeto said his players are ready for the challenge at Nyayo.

“We know it will be a difficult game because Leopards are under pressure to win, especially with the title race becoming tighter,” Ndeto said.

“But we have prepared well and the players understand the importance of staying organised and disciplined. We believe we can compete strongly and get a positive result.”