Tusker FC will take on Posta Rangers at the SportPesa Arena in Murang’a, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm on Saturday afternoon, in the second match of the SportPesa League second leg.
The boys will be keen to build on last weekend’s 2-1 victory over KCB to push up the standings and keep the title charge alive.
The first leg meeting against the mailmen didn’t end particularly well, with the latter winning 2-1. Eric Kapaito pulled one back after they scored twice in quick succession early in the match and despite many scoring chances, the boys couldn’t claw a win off that duel in Dandora.
But, Saturday provides a fresh opportunity to make amends, and the boys have their focus locked to get three points at home in the mountain.
Coach Maina urges focus
Assistant coach George Maina says the team will approach the duel with a blend of confidence and caution.
“The focus was always there, but a few things were not clicking,” Maina said. “Getting the win last weekend was very important, especially for confidence and mental strength. We have trained well this week, worked on areas we felt needed improvement, and the response from the players has been very positive.”
The assistant coach expects another demanding contest against Posta Rangers, a side that edged Tusker 2-1 in the first-leg meeting earlier in the season.
“Matches between us and Posta have always been tough and we expect a similar encounter. But, we have prepared well, done our analysis and know what to do to get a win. If we can follow our plan well, I believe we will get a win. The most crucial bit is ensuring that we bury our chances when we get them and defend well,” the tactician noted.
Maina also hailed the immediate impact of new signing Stephen Etyang, who marked his debut with an assist against KCB, while expressing confidence in the contribution of returning striker Ibrahim Joshua.
“Ibrahim has been here before, he understands the team and the culture, and we know exactly what he can bring to us. Etyang has already shown what he can do from his debut last weekend and is a player we believe will be very crucial to us for the rest of the season,” Maina noted.
Opponent watch:
Posta, coached by Charles Omondi are placed 11th in the standings with 23 points. They have not won in their last five matches, with three draws and two defeats.
Their last victory was on December 8, when they beat Nairobi United 2-0 at the Kasarani Annex. They have scored 16 goals this season, but conceded 21, the joint second highest in the league. In their nine away matches this season, they have won three, lost four and drawn two.
