Gor Mahia look to keep momentum going forward
By Benson Mbare and Barry.Silah, April 26, 2023
Record League Champions Gor Mahia FC have gotten a shot in the arm ahead of their clash with FC Talanta following the clearing of their five-match winning bonuses by ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo to the tune of Sh725,000 early this week.
The current Football Kenya Federation-Premier League table-toppers are in a tight fight for the title against defending Champions Tusker FC with only eight rounds left to close out the 2022/23 season. With only two points separating the two contenders as yet, K’Ogalo are leaving nothing to chance with Head Coach Jonathan McKinstry warning that it is not yet time to celebrate.
Speaking ahead of their midweek game against Talanta at Moi International Sports Centre-Kasarani, the Northern Irish tactician has told his players to put their feet on the ground. “Until we are across the line, there is nothing to cheer for yet. We have a formidable opponent and, of course, some tricky games ahead. Therefore, it is all about being focused and staying the course.
The Players understand the mission so it is all about mental adaptability during such situations. For now, it is about taking every game at a time and with Talanta next we just have to prepare well enough to win the match,” he said.
Gor Mahia currently stands at 56 points off 26 matches played with 16 wins and a goal difference of +26.
In their ranks, is the current league top scorer Benson Omalla on 23 goals and chasing to break the record of 28 goals set about around 20 years ago.
Tusker FC, in second place, to face off the fourth-placed KCB at the former’s home ground of Ruaraka Stadium this afternoon. The pair have had interesting match-ups in recent times but the significance of this match is that both are coming off contrasting results at the weekend.
Tusker who are now on 54 points and chasing their 13th title lost a bit of momentum after stuttering to a 1-0 to the third-placed Nzoia Sugar FC at Sudi Stadium last Sunday to push the sugar men to 51 points.
As for the Bankers who are on 48 points, their last match ended 2-2 against eighth-placed and 12-time Champions AFC Leopards SC.
In another exciting duel today, Bandari, in sixth position, hosts the fifth-placed Kenya Police FC at Mbaraki Sports Club. The two have also had tight meetings and in the last clashes, two matches have ended in drab goalless draws once Police won by a slim margin of 1-0 thus both teams will be expecting a good fight.