After beating their arch-rivals, AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia return to action and will be hosted by Tusker for their week 7 action at Moi International Sports Complex on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

This fixture is crucial for both sides, as Gor Mahia will need to win and close in on Posta Rangers. Rangers, considering how they have fared and started in previous seasons, surprised many given their meteoric form in this campaign.

Preview

They lead with 12 points, while Gor Mahia are second with 12, and that points to the fact that K’Ogalo will not want to lose this game against Tusker.

Only Gor Mahia and Rangers are the unbeaten sides so far, and going into the Sunday clash, the reigning champions would not want that record broken.

On the other hand, Tusker have had a poor start and are eighth with 8 points. Pressure is building on the players and the coach to turn things around quickly in order not to cede more ground in the title race.

Gor Mahia have one of the most solid defenses, given that they have conceded just four and scored 10 in their six matches.

On the other hand, Tusker are struggling both at the back and in the attacking department, as they have scored four and conceded the same number.

The Ruaraka side, given the goal stats, will have a challenge to overcome if they are to get a point or points from Gor Mahia.

Gor Mahia are looking for their 39th win over Tusker, given that they have registered 38 in their previous meetings.

The Premier League champions have lost 29 games and drawn 28 against their next opponents, and that points to even a bigger battle of bragging rights on Sunday.

Team news

Three key players for Johnathan McKinstry have not been available this season. Patrick Kaddu, John Macharia, and Gad Mathews have been sidelined by injuries for most of the season.

The trio was key last season when Gor Mahia lifted the title on the final day. The absence of Kaddu, specifically, has been a headache for McKinstry, as he has had to depend on Benson Omala to lead the goal-hunting mission almost alone.

Omala has not disappointed, as he has scored six goals so far – two came in the Mashemeji Derby – and leads the scorers’ chart. When Kaddu is available, it is certain that competition will be there, which means the attacking department will grow into a sharper unit.

On the other hand, Robert Matano has a fairly fit squad, especially with Dante and Tom Teka’s recent returns from long injury layoffs.

Probable XIs

Tusker probable XI: Brian Bwire, Collins Odhiambo, Levin Odhiambo, Mike Kibwage, Eugene Asike, Chris Arembo, Joseph Mwangi, David Odoyo, Mike Oduor, Erick Kapaito, Shaphan Siwa

Gor Mahia probable XI: Kevin Omondi, Rooney Onyango, Geoffrey Ochieng, Emery Bayisenge, Kennedy Onyango, Juma Simiyu, Rogers Mugisha, Lawrence Juma, Austin Odhiambo, Benson Omala, Patrick Sibomana.