Africa-Press – Kenya. KCB’s Elvis Olukusi runs into Beldad Ogeta of Oilers during a past encounter/FILEChampions Menengai Oilers face KCB in a blockbuster Impala Floodlit quarter-final clash at 7:30 p.m., in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament.
Both sides, who have strong Kenya Cup ambitions later in the season, will be eager to make an early statement to their rivals in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Gibson Weru’s Oilers head into the match after a robust pre-season that included a 45–28 win over Ugandan side Black Pirates in Kampala earlier this month.
Weru believes defending the title will provide a solid platform for their maiden Kenya Cup push.
“The tournament will be a good indicator of where we stand. We have had a robust pre-season and addressed areas where we had shortcomings last season and we will be well tested by a resolute KCB outfit who also want to make a statement of their own,” said Weru.
The two sides split their meetings last season, with KCB edging the Oilers 29–27 in the Kenya Cup group phase, before the Oilers hit back in the semi-finals with a dominant 31–8 win.
Weru expects another tight contest. “Whoever dominates the collision and gets over the gainline as well as game management and territory will carry the day.”
The Oilers will rely on a seasoned pack led by Ibrahim Ayoo, Vincent Mwikhali, and Elkeans Musonye, with Daniel Kipchirchir, Samuel Ovwamu, and Timothy Omela orchestrating play in the backline.
KCB interim head coach Andrew Amonde expects a tough encounter. “It’s a tough match against the Oilers last season, they eliminated us from the Kenya Cup and we have addressed some of the concerns we had in pre-season to see and at the same time look for weaknesses.”
Earlier fixtures will see Quins face Blak Blad at 2 pm, Nondies take on Strathmore Leos at 4 pm and Impala meet Mwamba at 6 pm. The semi-finals are set for November 1, with the final on November 8.
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