AFC Leopards will be aiming to strengthen their grip on second place when they take on KCB FC in an FKF Premier League fixture scheduled for today at 4:00 pm at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
Leopards head into the match on 40 points from 20 matches, six behind league leaders Gor Mahia. They have lost only twice this season — the fewest defeats in the division — and have won four of their last five matches, including a 2-1 victory over Posta Rangers last weekend.
KCB, meanwhile, sit eighth with 29 points from 21 matches. The Bankers are seeking a response after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Gor Mahia, a result that halted their recent progress and exposed defensive lapses.
Leopards assistant captain Kayci Odhiambo said the team had concentrated on fine-tuning key areas in training. “We’ve focused a lot on defensive organisation and quicker transitions,” Odhiambo said.
“At this point of the season, small mistakes can cost you. We’ve reviewed our last game and worked on improving our game management, especially in the final stages.”
He added that preparation has been both physical and mental. “Physically, the sessions have been intense because we expect a competitive match. Mentally, we’ve reminded ourselves that consistency is what has kept us where we are. We don’t want to lose that edge.”
Odhiambo noted that KCB possess quality in midfield and on the counterattack. “They are strong in duels and can break quickly. We’ll need to control the midfield and avoid giving them space between the lines. Discipline will be important.”
With Gor Mahia maintaining strong form at the top, Leopards know that any slip could widen the gap.
“There is pressure because we are competing at the top, but that’s normal,” Odhiambo said. “We just focus on our performance. If we win our matches, we stay in the race.”
He described the mood in the camp as focused. “The atmosphere in the dressing room is positive. Everyone understands what is at stake. We’re taking it one match at a time.”
A win today would keep Leopards firmly in the title hunt and maintain momentum ahead of their next fixture against Shabana at Nyayo Stadium.
KCB captain Humphrey Mieno acknowledged that last weekend’s defeat was disappointing but said the team had responded well in training.
“We were not happy with how we performed defensively in our last match,” Mieno said. “We’ve worked on correcting those mistakes and improving our organisation.”
He expects a tough contest against a Leopards side that has shown consistency throughout the campaign. “They are second for a reason. They defend well and take their chances. But we believe if we stick to our game plan and compete strongly, we can get a positive result.”
Mieno added that the team remains motivated despite sitting in mid-table. “We are not where we want to be. A win would boost our confidence and help us close the gap. Every point is important.”
Although earlier fixture lists had indicated Nyayo Stadium as the venue, the match will be played at Kasarani. With Leopards chasing the leaders and KCB seeking redemption, Thursday’s encounter is expected to be closely contested.
