The KCB vs AFC Leopards clash is an opportunity for the home side to get its 2023/24 FKF Premier League season off to a good start.
The home side did not play on the opening day of the season due to the continental commitments of their opponents Kakamega Homeboyz.
KCB finished last season in fifth place, two places ahead of their guests this weekend. They finished last season six points behind league winners Gor Mahia.
KCB will hope to start well in this campaign but will be hosting a hurt Leopards side, who drew their first game 0-0.
KCB vs AFC Leopards – Nwalala fancies home team’s chances
The newly appointed KCB head coach, Bernard Nwalala, is upbeat about the game against the Leopards. Nwalala is banking on their preparations for the new season.
They will take on a Leopards side whose pride was knocked by their opening draw against Talanta. The Ingwe are coming with a determination to restore their pride and see KCB as a kickoff point.
The date is set
Sisi hao grao tunafika @KCBFootball pic.twitter.com/cA4HIDzES5— Cevin Owuor Okeyo (@Cevin_owuor) August 30, 2023
Undoubtedly, the KSB vs AFC Leopards tie will be intense and will afford Mwalala to see what his wards have imbibed during the pre-season. A positive start to the season would lay a solid foundation on what to expect in this campaign.
A win over KCB over Ingwe will be a confidence booster in their charge to win the FKF Premier League.
KCB looking for first win over AFC Leopards
While KCB FC may be dreaming of winning the FKF Premier League, the tie against AFC Leopards holds massive importance to them.
In the last five Premier League matches involving KCB vs AFC Leopards, the away team has had the better record against their hosts.
Last season, KCB lost 0-1 at home to Leopards and managed a 2-2 draw in the return leg. Other seasons have seen Ingwe winning two and drawing three.
Despite this dismal record, Bernard Nwalala remains confident on doing a number on Leopards.
Predicted lineups
AFC Leopards finished the 2022/23 season in seventh place and are hungry to win the league. The absence of Ingwe on the continent is a massive slight by their fans, and they want to correct it this term.
However, Ingwe started the season with a slip, and the head coach, Tom Juma, is unhappy about the situation. He was disappointed at the finishing of his strikers against Talanta.
Juma, who took over from Belgian Patrick Aussems a month ago, said his attack disappointed him, but they are keen to take the scalp of KCB.
Here are the probable lineups for the KCB vs AFC Leopards tie.
KCB FC lineups
Goalkeeper:
Gabriel Andika
Defenders:
Derrick Otieno, Erickson Mulu, Maurice Owino, Nashon Nanyedo
Midfielders:
Danson Namasaka, Mohammed Kilume, Brian Ochieng, Musa Masika
Forwards:
Kennedy Owino, Derrick Otanga
AFC Leopards lineups
Goalkeeper:
Muchesia Maxwell
Defenders:
Loren James, Munene Washington, Lwangu Emmanuel, Odhiambo Kaycie
Midfielders:
Oundo Mousa, Nyakeya Cliff, Kweyu Boniface, Sue Yassin
Forwards:
Kimani Kevin, Owitti Jaffary
🙌 The boys are back!
Day one of season 2023/24 under the new boss. #Believe #LionHearted 🦁 pic.twitter.com/TKCjC0Ahnx— KCB Football Club (@KCBFootball) July 18, 2023
What the coaches said
Bernard Nwalala (KCB FC)
“We respect our opponents but we are ready to give our all on the field and set the tone for a remarkable season ahead. Our fans deserve nothing less than a spirited performance, and it is precisely what we intend to deliver,”
Tom Juma (AFC Leopards)
“I’m satisfied with the quality of the players we managed to bring on board. I believe we have taken good care of all the departments and all that is left is for each player to prove his worth in the club,”
Predictions
The KCB vs AFC Leopards tie makes for good viewing. While the home team has enjoyed a fantastic season, they will find AFC Leopards are a hard nut to crack.
KCB won their last two friendlies, beating Rainbow FC 3-1 and Five Star Dagoretti 6-1. The victories will give them confidence in securing maximum points against Ingwe.
Based on recent meetings, the odds favour AFC Leopards, but their inability to score may be their undoing.
On the other hand, KCB has been in rampant form. In their friendlies, KCB scored plenty of goals, but this is the real thing.
Expect over 1.5 odds.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 month ago
