Three title contenders are in action on Wednesday in the Betking Premier League as the race for a Champions League place heats up.
June 30 2021 has been set as the official time for federations to present names of clubs that will take part in the 2021/22 Caf Champions League.
On Wednesday, Tusker FC welcome Western Stima at Ruaraka with Gor Mahia welcoming Wazito FC at Utalii grounds, AFC Leopards will be away to Mathare United in Thika. For Tusker, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards these are must win matches as whoever blinks first might as well be kissing the chance of representing Kenya in Africa’s premier club competition bye.
KCB are however leading the pack and are not in action at least for 48 hours after Tusker,AFC Leopards and high flying Gor Mahia taste action.
AFC Leopards
The 13-time champions had a dream start to the season but have been struggling to hit the back of the net in the recent past. Lack of quality finishing and a makeshift defence has made it difficult for Ingwe to win matches convincingly. A knee injury to midfield kingpin Fabrice Mugheni has compounded their problems. A cup final and a chance to feature in the Champions League for the first time ever is in the offing and the next three fixtures are not just crucial, they are a must win for them.
The three game marathon begins on Wednesday when they meet a slightly improved Mathare United team who despite not winning any of their last five fixtures, have shown the character to frustrate their opponents as was the case against Gor Mahia and KCB.
Ingwe have Wazito and Kariobangi Sharks in the lineup as the June 30 deadline approaches, they must pick the nine points to at least dream about continental football.
Tusker FC
The dark cloud finally cleared over the weekend when they beat early pacesetters Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 to close the gap with KCB to a single point. On Wednesday, they face Westen Stima at Ruaraka with hopes of getting to the summit of the league table once again.Stima in 16th spot are a potential banana skin for they can decide to inflict pain on Robert Matano once again. Tusker’s next two games are yet to be confirmed but the Western Stima fixture is a must win.
Gor Mahia
The record premier league champions have recorded identical scorelines (1-0) in their last four league fixtures, they are unbeaten in seven and this has made them genuine title contenders. The reigning champions take on Wazito on Wednesday June 23 before fixtures against Western Stima and Bandari at home. With the kind of form they have exhibited, the reigning champions seem destined to the summit if KCB,Tusker and AFC Leopards slip.