AFC Leopards will be looking to get back to winning ways and start scoring when they host Shabana FC in an FKF Premier League game at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Sunday. The Leopards have gone three matches without a win, drawing all three, including a suspended FKF Cup match against Mara Sugar, which was called off after fan unrest.
Adding to the woes, AFC Leopards have failed to score a goal in those three matches, a worrying statistic that has given Shabana plenty to be optimistic about. In contrast, Shabana’s attack has been in red-hot form, netting nine goals in their last two matches alone. They hammered Kakamega Homeboyz 4-1 in the FKF Premier League before easing past lower-league side Plantech with a 5-1 scoreline in the FKF Cup.
Shabana’s recent offensive display has been a significant talking point, and the team will be riding high on confidence when they face Leopards. The team’s midseason signings, who have begun to make a mark, are expected to continue their strong performances. Shabana’s manager, Tore Bobe, will be aiming for nothing less than three points from this encounter.
This season, Shabana have already proven themselves capable of beating top teams. They defeated Leopards 2-1 in their previous meeting in November and have also taken points from title contenders such as Tusker, Gor Mahia, and Kenya Police. Given their impressive form, Shabana will not be intimidated by their opponents and will enter this match with the belief that they can secure a victory.
Since their promotion to the top flight last season, Shabana have faced AFC Leopards four times, winning two of those encounters. One match ended in a draw, and the other saw a loss for Shabana in the FKF Cup. This record will give them confidence heading into the match, and with the added motivation of potentially moving ahead of Leopards in the league standings, they will be determined to put in another strong performance.
Currently, Shabana sit in eighth place with 33 points from 23 matches, just two points behind fifth-placed Leopards, who have played a game less. A victory for Shabana could see them leapfrog Leopards and move into the top five, which would further strengthen their position as one of the league’s surprises this season.
Leopards, on the other hand, will be keen to bounce back from their recent struggles and revive their slim title hopes. Despite not finding the back of the net in their last three games, they have shown glimpses of their potential, and a solid performance against Shabana could be the catalyst they need to kickstart their campaign. With Shabana’s attack firing on all cylinders, Leopards will need to be at their best defensively and offensively to keep up with the high-scoring side.
The pressure is on Leopards to perform, and anything less than a victory will make it even more difficult for them to maintain their position in the top five. The encounter in Machakos is set to be an exciting and crucial one for both teams, with Shabana looking to continue their impressive form and Leopards desperate to end their scoring drought and keep their title aspirations alive.
