Tusker FC will take on Mara Sugar FC in matchday 26 of the FKF Premier League in Awendo on Sunday afternoon, a match crucial towards the charge for the 2024-25 title.
This will be the second meeting between the two sides, Tusker having won the first leg 2-1 in Nairobi.
The brewers are seeking for maximum points away from home to keep pace with leaders Kenya Police FC. The brewers are on 47 points in the standings, one behind Police who are also in action on Sunday in Machakos.
The brewers come into the tie off some good confidence after back to back victories over Posta Rangers and Bidco United.
Opponents watch:
Mara are playing their first ever season in top flight football, having been promoted from the National Super League. They are currently placed 11th in the standings with 28 points after 25 matches. They have won seven games this season, drawn a similar number and lost 11.
Six of their seven victories this season have come on home soil. They have lost thrice at home and drawn a similar number. They have however won only one of their last five at home, a 4-1 result against FC Talanta. Since that victory, they have gone for five matches without victory.
They have conceded 27 goals and scored a similar number.
Team news:
The team is reeling from various injuries to several first team players. Top scorer Ryan Ogam is sidelined for the next four weeks after undergoing a procedure on a torn meniscus while winger James Kibande is out for at least two months with a foot fructure.
Defender Tom Teka is also ruled out with a hamstring problem while winger Mike Oduor also remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
Our Youth Team attacker David Polepole has also been ruled out with a slight groin problem and has been replaced in the squad by another Youth Team player, Douglas Omanga.
Winger Thomas Omolle and keeper Joseph Ochuka have both managed to return to first team action after recovering from injuries and will be available for selection in upcoming matches.
What was said:
Assistant coach George Maina previewed the away trip to Awendo after the team’s last training session in Kisii on Saturday.
“We expect a very difficult match against Mara. But, we have prepared well for them. We know their strengths and weaknesses and as a technical team we have devised the best strategy for the game,” Maina offered.
He added; “At this point of the league every game is a final for us. Every point is crucial and the players know that as well. We want to go in with a winning mentality and get all three points.”
