)
The 2023 FKF Cup Round of 32 action will continue on Sunday.
Reigning cup champions Gor Mahia will look to avoid a major upset when they face Kibera Soccer in an FKF Cup Round of 32 match at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday.
K’Ogalo are licking their wounds at the moment, having suffered their second loss of the season across all competitions when they lost 2-1 to Mathare United in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match on Wednesday.
Gor Mahia are the defending champions after beating their arch-rivals AFC Leopards 4-1 on post-match penalties after a barren draw in normal time back in 2021.
Gad Mathews, the Gor Mahia goalkeeper, has made it clear that they cannot afford to undermine Kibera Soccer, who are campaigning in the third tier of Kenyan football, FKF Division One.
“Cup matches are always tricky. They are not easy, especially playing against grassroots teams because everyone is coming to prove a point and to show themselves on the big stage.
We are looking forward to defending the title because the league is very competitive and you never know what might happen. We want to be cautious and ensure we defend this title so that we can go to continental football,” said Mathews.
Meanwhile, Kibera Soccer’s most recent game was an FKF Division One Zone A clash against Olympic Pirates, which they played to a 1-1 draw at the dusty NCC Grounds last Sunday.
Kibera are making their maiden appearance in the FKF Cup but they have a decent squad capable of upsetting Gor Mahia.
The Slum Boys will pin their hopes on the likes of Walter Chitai and Abdul Kagwa, while Dak Wickier will also be expected to keep things nice and tight at the back.
However, their defense will need to always be on alert, especially with Gor Mahia expected to field their arsenal led by red-hot Benson Omala and Lloyd Kavuchi.
In other matches, Shalimar will be at home against Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz at the Longonot Horticulture Ground.
Just over two hours later, another Naivasha-based side hungry to make a first impression, Marula FC, will face another top-flight side Kariobangi Sharks.
Elsewhere, Karatina Super Stars will welcome Premier League side Sofapaka at the Karatina Municipal Stadium, while Administration Police will be at home against Bandari FC in Yatta.
An in-form Equity FC will host Mara Sugar at the Kasarani Annex, the same venue where Scarlet FC will battle against Kenya Police FC.
Sunday fixtures:
Equity v Mara Sugar (MISC Kasarani Annex, 1pm)
Shalimar v Kakamega Homeboyz (Longonot Horticulture Ground, Naivasha, 1 pm)
Karatina Homeboyz v Sofapaka (Karatina Stadium, 3pm)
Kibera Soccer v Gor Mahia (MISC Kasarani Stadium, 3pm)
Administration Police v Bandari (NYS Grounds, Yatta 3pm)
Marula v Kariobangi Sharks (Longonot Horticulture Grounds, 3.15pm)
Scarlet v Kenya Police (MISC Kasarani Annex, 3.15pm)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)