AFC Leopards’ striker Arthur Gitego has warned Police to be ready for a massive battle when the sides clash in an FKF Premier League Match Day 30 today at Dandora Stadium.
While the cops are chasing the league title, Ingwe are mathematically out of the race and a win or draw will dent Police’s league chances.
Leopards' win will ensure rivals Gor Mahia inch closer to a record-extending 21st domestic title.
“We know what is at stake but we have to win for our fans and also continue our good run with a top-five finish still a possibility,” said Gitego.
The Rwandese striker, who joined AFC on a two-year contract from Rwandan side Marine FC in February, has given a good account of himself scoring seven goals—two in the league and five in the FKF Cup—making him the domestic cup top scorer.
Leopards, who have won three out of three in all competitions since falling 1-0 to rivals Gor Mahia in the “Mashemeji Derby” are sixth on the table —10 points behind Police. Ingwe can still finish on a high having started badly in the first leg.
Police haven’t lost any match since Salim Babu took over from Zdravko Logarusic on December 16, 2023. The law enforcers are on a 20-match unbeaten run, having won 11 and drawn three in the FKF Premier League and won another four in the FKF Cup.
The two sides played to a 2-2 draw in the first leg and will coincidentally battle again in the semifinals of the FKF Cup on May 26, 2024.
“We are playing as a unit which gives us a big chance to beat police who are no pushovers. We just appeal to our fans to continue supporting us,”, added Gitego. Police coach Salim Babu has a more experienced squad and says he has a game plan for Ingwe as he eyes continental football.
“We are under no pressure to end the season unbeaten but we have planned adequately to maintain our slim title hopes if Gor falls. The FKF Cup semifinal match will also come with its dynamics,” said Babu.
Meanwhile, Police striker Tito Okello who is tied at 15 goals each with Gor Mahia’s Benson Omalla in the Golden Boot race says his full-time job is scoring goals and he’ll be going for more.
“We have a good run and everyone is psyched up for the clash. We want to emerge victors and must give our best,” added the South Sudan international.
