AFC Leopard’s resurgence will be put to the test this weekend when they face Francis Kimanzi’s Mathare United on Sunday. The Leopards are unbeaten in their last 8 matches, winning 5 and drawing the other 3 as they continue their surge up the Kenya Premier League table.
Before they embarked on this amazing run, Ingwe were en-route to battling relegation and had lost 4 consecutive matches, including their meek surrender to arch-rivals Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby. Changes needed to be made at the Den and Rwandese tactician Cassa Mbungo was brought to help stabilize the sinking ship.
He struggled at first but slowly the players adapted to his methods leading to the current good form they are in. They are scoring goals for fun, 8 in their last matches but keeping cleansheets remains a thorn in the side.
Mathare United have been having an okay season by their standards but they are yet to hit the heights they are usually associated with. Still, on the basis of last season, this year has been an improvement for the team that last won the league title in 2008.
The Slum boys are unbeaten in their last 4 but have not been convincing in their performances. Still, Mathare United have it in them to course an upset and halt AFC Leopards climb up the table. It is a match that will test both teams resolve but most importantly, it will prove whether AFC Leopards can compete against the best sides in the country, especially ahead of what will be a crucial Mashemei derby later this month.