After a painful defeat in the Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards are gearing up for a critical clash in the Mozzart Bet FKF Cup quarterfinals this Sunday.
The Leopards, fondly known as Ingwe, fell short last week at Nyayo Stadium, succumbing 1-0 to league leaders Gor Mahia, and are now setting their sights on a vital redemption opportunity against Compel FC at Dandora Stadium.
Last week’s derby saw former Leopards’ midfielder Austin Odhiambo punish an early mistake by keeper Levis Opiyo, securing a win for Gor Mahia despite being reduced to ten men for the majority of the game.
This result not only intensified the rivalry but left Ingwe and their supporters disheartened, as the team struggled to capitalize on their numerical advantage, drawing criticism towards coach Thomas Trucha and several players for their lackluster performance.
Currently eighth in the league with 38 points and just seven games left in the 2023-2024 season, the Leopards’ prospects for a top finish are dwindling, making the Mozzart Bet FKF Cup a crucial pathway to salvage their season and secure continental football for the next year.
Coach Trucha expressed the team’s collective disappointment but remains focused on the opportunity that lies ahead in the Mozzart Bet FKF Cup.
“After the Mashemeji derby, everyone was extremely disappointed. I told them we still have something to play for, and it’s significant we up our game in the FKF Cup,” Trucha stated.
He emphasized the importance of learning from their setbacks, “It’s not just about winning the cup, but also about earning a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, so we need to learn from the Mashemeji derby.
“The players understand that we had an opportunity to win. I told them football is like that, sometimes you miss out, but there’s still another chance in the big picture. We’ll fight for it.”
This quarterfinal presents a seemingly favorable matchup for the Leopards against Compel FC, a Division Two side. However, with the stakes as high as ever, Ingwe cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
The Leopards last won the FKF Cup in 2017, and a victory in this edition would not only mark a significant turnaround in their tumultuous season but also reaffirm their status among Kenya’s footballing elite.
The Dandora Stadium will host a double-header, with Kariobangi Sharks taking on SS Assad in the other match of the day.
Meanwhile, defending champions Kakamega Homeboyz will face off against KCB in an early kickoff, hoping to repeat last year’s success and claim their place in the semifinals.
As AFC Leopards prepare for Sunday’s critical face-off, the team is acutely aware that their performance in the FKF Cup could define their season.
A win against Compel FC would not only pave their way to the semifinals but also help mend the hearts of their loyal supporters after the derby disappointment.
The quest for redemption is on, and all eyes will be on Dandora Stadium as the Leopards seek to claw their way back to prominence.
Mozzart Bet FKF Cup Quarterfinals
VENUE: Dandora Stadium
Saturday
KCB vs Kakamega Homeboyz-12pm
Kenya Police vs Sofapaka-4pm
Sunday
SS Assad vs Kariobangi Sharks -12pm
AFC Leopards vs Compel-4pm
