Nairobi City Stars skipper available for selection against Gor Mahia after suspension
By Collins Amanga, February 17, 2024
Nairobi City Stars received a major boost with the return of their captain, Calvib Masawa, ahead of their crucial match against Gor Mahia FC.
Masawa had been sidelined since receiving a red card in their encounter with AFC Leopards, marking his first expulsion in his 13-year tenure with the club. This suspension concluded their impressive seven-game winning streak.
Nairobi City Stars card
The red card incident occurred towards the end of the match at Bukhungu Stadium when Masawa was shown a straight red card for a last-man challenge on an AFC Leopards breakaway forward.
After serving his suspension in matches against Shabana and Bandari FC, the captain returns as City Stars make three changes to their final squad for the upcoming match.
Joining Masawa in the squad to face Gor Mahia are newcomers Byron Owino and defensive midfielder Shem Odinga, acquired from Kibera Black Stars and Kibera Angels, respectively.
Notably absent from the squad that defeated Bandari 1-0 in Mombasa are goalkeeper Edwin Mukolwe and midfielder Elvis Noor due to caution suspensions, as well as flyer Pius Omachi who is rested.
Abuyeka Kubasu and Gilbert Abala, who featured in the Bandari trip, retain their places in the team, along with recent signing Rogers Obusu, who is set for his third consecutive match.
This match marks the first time Nairobi City Stars, currently placed second, will host league leaders Gor Mahia.
It follows their encounter in June 2023 at Kasarani, where Gor Mahia came from behind to win 4-1, securing the league title.
Nairobi City Stars vs Gor
The upcoming game will be the 30th match in the Kenyan top-flight between City Stars and Gor Mahia since the 2005/6 premier league season, and the 15th game for City Stars as the home team against Gor Mahia.
In their previous 14 home games, City Stars secured a lone victory over Gor Mahia in June 2006, while managing six draws and suffering seven losses. Gor Mahia have outscored City Stars 26 goals to 12 in these encounters.
City Stars approach the match with a historic 1-0 away win over Bandari in Mombasa, while Gor Mahia come off a 0-0 home draw against Ulinzi Stars.
Squad to face Gor Mahia
Goalkeepers: 13. Elvis Ochoro, 23. Byron Owino
Defenders: 4. Timothy Muganda, 8. Calvin Masawa, 15. Wycliffe Omondi, 24. Rogers Obusu, 26. Dennis Wanjala, 30. Rowland Makati, 32. Sosthenes Idah
Midfielders: 6. Shem Odinga, 11. Andrew Kisilu, 18. Clifford Ouma, 19. Vincent Owino, 31. Abuyeka Kubasu
Forwards: 3. Robinson Asenwa, 10. Dennis Oalo, 17. Brian Mose, 22. Samuel Kapen, 21. Yuto Kusaba, 27. Gilbert Abala
Out: 1. Edwin Mukolwe, 2. Elvis Noor, 5. Newton Ochieng, 7. Pius Omachi, 9. Mohammed Bajaber, 12. Edwin Buliba, 20. Kelvin Etemesi, 25. Brian Mzee
Coach: Nicholas Muyoti