Ulinzi Stars have not lost a single SportPresa Premier League match to AFC Leopards in three years.
On Wednesday, Ingwe’s English coach Stewart Hall will lead his charges against the Kenya Defense Forces team at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, aiming to break the jinx.
Hall told kpl.co.ke on Tuesday they will rely on tactics to gun down the soldiers.
“I have watched Ulinzi play. They are big, strong and very physical. It will be a good game to watch, but we have prepared accordingly.
Based on their last two matches against Nakumatt and Nzoia United, Ingwe have the personnel to bring down Ulinzi even though history favours the Kenya Defense Forces side.
Ghanaian striker Gilbert Fiamenyo has emerged as a worthy signing to the club with two league goals to his name thus far.
He is available for this match despite having left the pitch prematurely last weekend due to injury. His striking partner international Paul Kiongera and experienced reliable Robinson Kamura are, however, down with injury and may not feature in this game.
Ulinzi Stars have not lost a single SportPesa Premier League match to AFC Leopards in three years.
There are no injury worries in the Ulinzi Stars squad, and Hall will need to be wary of midfielder Samuel Onyango, who has scored five goals for the club already this year. He was on the mark in Ulinzi’s 1-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks last season, and is eligible to start for the soldiers’ forward line on Wednesday.
“In our last two games (against Nzoia and Smouha) we have had problems with converting chances and need to sharpen up in front,” Ulinzi coach Benjamin Nyangweso said.
The KDF sides’ coach however pointed out their short turnaround time from their last match. “We have had only three days to recover before this big game, but we are soldiers and will always be ready to wage battle.”
The soldiers have won five and drawn three of their last eight games against Ingwe. Last year, the two teams drew 2-2 and 0-0 in the first and second league games respectively, however Ulinzi, in that season snuffed Leopards 3-2 and 4-0 in the Top Eight and GOtv Shield matches respectively.
