FKFPL: Gor Mahia locks horns with Tusker FC in potentially thrilling top-of-summit encounter
By Lutta Njomo, January 19, 2025
After days of intensive training and crafting of gameplans, two league giants, Gor Mahia and Tusker FC are expected to clash in what is projected to be a high-intensity match.
The tie set to be played at the Machakos Stadium on Sunday, January 19, 2025, is expected to add up to other high-octane encounters between the two sides considering they are the most decorated sides in the top-tier league.
K’Ogalo’s rivalry against the Brewers set to be amplified on Sunday could easily morph into a title charge as only six points separate the two sides.
Tusker is perched at the summit of FKFPL log on 30 points having played 16 matches while K’Ogalo are placed fourth on 24 points, having played two matches fewer than the Brewers.
Though it looks like a tight and close contest, previous statistics show that Gor has been getting the better side of Tusker – having won 40 fixtures out of the 97 league meetings.
The Ruaraka-based side on the other hand has managed 29 wins over Gor with 28 ties ending in draws.
Mentality test
Speaking ahead of the match, Tusker FC’s Head Coach insisted that his charges needed to be prepared mentally to escape with the maximum three points against a mighty opponent.
“This game is about pressure and psychologically we have to be ready. If we can handle the pressure then we will be good. We respect Gor Mahia because they are champions but we are taking this game just like any other and the players are motivated to go out there and try get a win,” Okere told Tusker FC media.
On picking momentum from Wednesday’s win against Bandari; “We did well in that game. We won and defended well to get a clean sheet which was very important. We were rusty coming back for the game against Shabana but now we have played two games which have given us momentum.”
Gor Mahia’s gaffer
On the other side, Gor Mahia’s gaffer Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno is upbeat ahead of the mouth-watering encounter. Zico explained that his side was well prepared to take the maximum points against the in-form Tusker side.
“We are preparing well… as a team, we had a plan and we are following that. We don’t have any injury concerns at the moment, everyone is fit for selection and hungry to play ahead of Sunday’s match,”Zico stated.
Coach Zedekiah "Zico" Otieno speaks ahead of the big game against Tusker FC.
— Gor Mahia FC Ke (@gormahiafcke) January 16, 2025
▪️ Squad Update
▪️ Gor Mahia's next fixtures
▪️ View on Facing Tusker
▪️ Preparation ahead of Tusker's game#KOgalo #Sirkal pic.twitter.com/kvue5yyNfm
He however made it clear that his side was well aware of the threat posed by Tusker and was ready to deal with it.
“Tusker is a good team, one of the top teams in the country and we respect that but again, Gor Mahia is a top team in Kenya. We are the defending champions, we won’t let it easy on Sunday – it’s going to be a tough match and that’s why we are trying to prepare in the best way possible. We know the challenge ahead of us and we are prepared,” he told Gor Mahia FC media after winding up their training at Machakos Stadium.
“My players know each and every match is important… so, for us, we normally try and prepare for matches the same way but again we know there are three results in football and we take each and every result with humility. If we can control the game technically, tactically, physically and mentally, there is nothing that will be difficult for us in that game (against Tusker).”
MatchDay: Tusker FC 🆚 Gor Mahia FC
— Gor Mahia FC Ke (@gormahiafcke) January 19, 2025
🕟 4pm
🏆 Kenyan Premier League
🏟 Machakos Stadium #SportpesaNaGor #Kogalo #Sirkal pic.twitter.com/B8YnTDaucE
In other matches, Bandari will host Shabana FC at Mbaraki Sports Club while Nairobi City Stars will lock horns against title-charging side KCB FC.
At Dandora Stadium, Sofapaka will welcome Posta Rangers while Murang’a Seal will play against Police FC at the Sportpesa Arena.