AFC Leopards and Tusker FC will face off at the Nyayo National Stadium this afternoon, with Ingwe keen on moving up to the second position in the log while Tusker will be hoping to close in on Gor Mahia in the log.Leopards are third in the FKF Premier League log with 38 points, while the Brewers, who are also the defending champions, have a point more. The two trail leaders trail Gor Mahia by six and seven points, respectively.##NAJAVA_MECA_7153538##The dramatic first-leg clash ended in a 1-0 win for the Brewers. Many would argue that the Leopards have punched above their weight since then to remain in the title race, while Tusker, by their standards, have been underwhelming.AFC Leopards will be without striker Ojo Olaniyi who went off injured against Murang’a Seal on Sunday. Utility man Lewis Bandi also remains sidelined while Musa Oundo is suspended. For Tusker. Boniface Onyango is a long-term absentee.Ahead of the match, Ingwe assistant coach Tom Juma wants to witness fair officiating in the game that could set the pace in this season’s title race.##NAJAVA_MECA_28746##”It will be a tough match, but we call for fairness in officiating. Last time out, Tusker players beat up a referee, and FKF has yet to take action against them. We are ready for the game and are in the title race,” he told the nation.On his part, Tusker coach Robert Matano admits the match will be a tough one but says it is paramount for them to win in order to boost their title defense chances.”It’s going to be a tight match. We’ll approach the match with a winning mentality as we do with all our games. Our aim is to win all our games and defend the league title. Losing is not in our vocabulary.”Modo calls for consistencyConsistency will be a key factor for coach Anthony “Modo” Kimani as side Bandari FC face Ulinzi Stars in a midweek Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) fixture at their Mbaraki Grounds backyard on Wednesday afternoon. For a long time inconsistency has been Bandari’s Achilles heel, robbing them of their competitive edge and ability to lift their first-ever league title since formation in 1985. Kimani wants to change this narrative. “I know it has been a problem, but we’re working to change it. We’ve strengthened the team to ensure we have a quality side capable of competing and getting consistent results,” the former Harambee Stars defender told Mozzart Sport. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7157048##Against Ulinzi, Bandari will be up against a highly motivated side, emerging from a big cup win, and they will have to be at their best to deliver positive results.The Soldiers beat fellow men in uniform Police FC 2-1 in a much hyped “Marisasi Derby” in the Mozzart Bet Cup on Saturday, and will be expected to carry the same winning mentality into today’s match. “They’re going to give us a tough game, it’s obvious, but we’ve been preparing well,” Kimani, who previously coached AFC Leopards, said.Bandari were also in action over the weekend, beating National Super League side Mwatate FC 2-0 in the Mozzart Bet Cup round of 16 to sail to the quarterfinals. In anticipation of the Ulinzi Stars’ clash, Modo rested some of his key figures against Mwatate. “We expect to have some fresh legs against Ulinzi, and that should give us a slight advantage.”After 20 fixtures, Bandari are placed 9th on the log standings with 30 points from nine wins, three draws and eight losses. Ulinzi who have played a game more, on the other hand, are placed 7th with 32 points from 8 wins, 8 draws and 5 losses.Other FKF Premier League matches on Wednesday Posta Rangers v Kakamega Homeboyz (Kasarani Annex, 1pm)Mathare v FC Talanta (Police Sacco, South C, 3.15pm)Sofapaka v Gor Mahia (Kasarani Main)Wazito FC v Kenya Police (Muhoroni Stadium)KCB FC v Nairobi City Stars (Kasarani Annex)Bidco United v Kariobangi Sharks (Police Pavilion)Vihiga Bullets v Nzoia Sugar FC (Bukhungu Stadium)Bandari FC v Ulinzi Stars (Mbaraki Sport Club)Battle at Nyayo Stadium: Pre-match tactical analysis of AFC Leopards vs Tusker
