Can Kakamega Homeboyz bring to an end AFC Leopards’ winning run stretching to five matches? That is the question being asked by many football lovers as the two rivals face off in the FKF Premier League at Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.
The fixture dubbed the ‘Ingo derby’ will be the key highlight of the nine matches that have been lined up across the country including the fixture pitting table leaders Gor Mahia against Nairobi City Stars at Machakos Stadium on Saturday.
But first things first, the focus will be in Kakamega where apart from eyeing to end Ingwe’s winning streak, Abana Beingo will also be seeking revenge against a side that beat them 2-0 in the first round meeting at Nyayo Stadium on December 17.
It was after the 2-0 result that Ingwe have remained unbeaten in the last seven matches, winning five, and drawing one. The draw came in the 1-1 result against Murang’a Seal, and since then they have collected 15 points from a possible 15 from the last five matches.
They started with a 1-0 win against Ulinzi Stars, a 1-0 victory against Muhoroni Youth, a 2-0 win against City Stars, a 2-0 win against Kariobangi Sharks, and a 1-0 win against Murang’a. the winning run under Tomas Trucha has hauled Ingwe to eighth position on the table with 30 points from 21 matches.
According to Trucha, who is expected to welcome back midfielder Clifton Miheso, who missed the win against Murang’a, the clash against Homeboyz will provide a litmus test for his charges.
“Derbies are unpredictable, you never know, so it is a Western derby or Nairobi Derby, there is no favorite team, so we need to be ready,” said Trucha, adding: “It will be a huge task for my lads, but I am confident with the help of God, with the performance of the players, we can make it.”
Homeboyz will head into the fixture having ended their six-game winless run by defeating KCB 1-0 in their last assignment. In the last five fixtures between the two sides in all competitions, both sides have registered two wins each, and drawn once.
In other matches set for tomorrow, Posta Rangers will host Ulinzi Stars, Murang’a Seal will be at home against Bidco, Nzoia Sugar will come up against Bandari, while Kenya Police will entertain relegation-threatened Shabana FC.