Showdown as AFC Leopards takes on Homeboyz in FKF Cup

Football rivals AFC Leopards and Kakamega Homeboyz have in recent days been engaging in war of words ahead of their clash in the semi-final of the Football Kenya Federation Cup set for Saturday at Nyayo Stadium.

Matches involving the two sides have always been attracted tension, anxiety and promised to be thrilling as well given the rivalry the two have and the massive backing they enjoy. 

The two sides will revive it on Saturday starting 3:15pm with the winner proceeding to the final as well as taking home the bragging rights.

Leopards, advanced to the last four after whipping Bandari 3-0 in the quarters played last month while Homeboyz wiped the floor with Kariobangi Sharks as the Kakamega based side won 6-1.

Homeboyz attacker Felicien Okanda says the team is determined to skin Ingwe alive and sail to the final for the first time. 

The Congolese import who was on target in the 6-1 demolition of Sharks insists that the confidence Leopards gathered from beating Gor Mahia last week does not scare them at all.

"You can't win the Cup if you can't eliminate the best. We are hopeful to beating Leopards and sailing to the final. The team has prepared well for the match," he told Michezo Afrika.

The former Nzoia Sugar winner urged his teammates to give their best on the pitch as they stood a chance of qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup. 

" We are just two matches away from sealing a ticket to CAF matches. We have to fight hard and win the Cup as we are not in contention for the league title," he added.

Homeboyz will be boosted by the return of skipper Moses Mudavadi who missed the quarters due to an harmstring injury.

Leopards forward Maxwell Otieno on the other hand believes that they will have an easy time in cutting Homeboyz down to size. 

The striker who netted the winning goal in the Mashemeji Derby held last weekend said the team has it's sight trained on registering another big win and book place in the final. 

"The results of the past matches will count for nothing in this game. We have trained for it and I am sure, we will emerge victorious. The morale in our camp has been high given that we won a big game last weekend," said the former Leopards Youth team player. 

The last time the two teams met in the league, the duel had to be halted in the first half as irate fans disrupted it's flow citing poor officiating.

Meanwhile, the game will be preceded by the clash pitting Tusker against Ulinzi Stars. The duel is scheduled to kick off at noon.

Tusker beat KCB 2-0 to squeeze themselves in the last four while Ulinzi edged Sofapaka 5-4 on post-match penalties after playing for a 1-1draw inside regular time.