PHOTO | MOHAMMED AMIN AFC Leopards’ Bernard Mang’oli (left) battles for the ball with Victor Ali Abondo of Gor Mahia during their Tusker Premier League match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on September 23. NATION MEDIA GROUP
By ODINDO AYIEKO oayieko@yahoo.co.uk
Posted Friday, November 16 2012 at 22:09
Posted Friday, November 16 2012 at 22:09
IN SUMMARY
- The excitement that usually comes with the game between the two giants of Kenyan football is seemingly lacking after they failed to win the league title last weekend
- Both Gor Mahia and Leopards are wounded and they will be keen to seek consolation with a victory on Saturday
- Gor Mahia, the holders of the FKF Cup, are the most successful side in the competition having won it nine times, one more than Ingwe
Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards renew their rivalry Saturday afternoon when they meet in the semi-finals of the Football Kenya Federation Cup at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from 3pm.
But the excitement that usually comes with the game between the two giants of Kenyan football is seemingly lacking after they failed to win the league title last weekend.
Seven days ago, Gor Mahia fans were expectant.
They knew they had done so much to win the Kenyan Premier League title but they ended up leaving the City Stadium in tears after a draw with Thika United when all they needed was a simple win.
AFC Leopards stood a chance of winning the league title had Gor Mahia and eventual champions Tusker fumbled. Interestingly, it is Leopards who fell to Chemelil Sugar in Awendo.
Both Gor Mahia and Leopards are wounded and they will be keen to seek consolation with a victory on Saturday.
“We deserve something at least after such a season that we played so well,” said Gor Mahia coach Zdravko Logarusic. “The match against AFC Leopards has come at the worst time considering what transpired last weekend, but we have lifted ourselves and are ready for the game,” he added.
Strong side
“All I can urge fans from both sides is to come in large numbers to cheer the teams. Let’s make it exciting for them. They have been so loyal all season, they need to end it in a good way.”
Leopards coach Jan Koops too believes his players need at least something.
“After losing the league title, I want us to work towards winning the FKF Cup,” said Koops.
Few changes are expected in the squads. Logarusic will use the same squad that brought him so close to lifting to lifting his first ever silverware as coach. “I will field my strongest side,” he said on Friday after a training session at Kasarani.
Jerim Onyango, Chris Wekesa, Solomon Nasio, Ivan Anguyo, Donald Mosoti, Joseph Njuguna, Anthony Akumu, Moses Odhiambo, Rama Salim, Ali Abondo and Dan Serenkuma will be his foot soldiers.
Leopards are expected to field Patrick Matasi, Edward Wafula, Abbas Kiwalabye, Eriv Masika, Jonas Nahimana, Bernard Mang’oli, Martin Imbalabala, Paul Were, Mike Baraza, Victor Ochieng’ and Allan Wanga.
“I know it’s going to be a technical yet fast-paced game. Gor Mahia has very mobile players but we also have a fit side,” said Leopards assistant coach Mickey Weche.
The winner of the game will meet the winner in the other semi-final clash between Sofapaka and league champions Tusker FC.
Gor Mahia, the holders of the FKF Cup, are the most successful side in the competition having won it nine times, one more than Ingwe.
Had any of the two sides won the league, we would be looking at a weekend of excitement.
This is the third time this season that the old foes are meeting.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment