Tough Fixture For Gor Mahia Amidst Mounting Pressure In League Title Race
Pressure looks to be mounting for the most successful club in Kenya and coach McKinstry admitted to feeling the heat.
Police FC will host Gor Mahia on Saturday, April 22 at the Kasarani stadium from 3 pm in what is expected to be a high-octane FKF Premier League match.
Gor Mahia blew a two-goal lead against Posta Rangers on Sunday, April 16 which allowed Tusker to take the league leadership after beating Wazito FC 2-0 in a rescheduled first-leg fixture.
Pressure looks to be mounting for the most successful club in Kenya and coach McKinstry admitted to feeling the heat.
"There's pressure and there's no doubt about that. There's been pressure since preseason, but this is why you get involved in professional sports. Professional sports wouldn't be enjoyable or fulfilling without competitiveness," said the 37-year-old tactician.
Gor Mahia players during a past match. /CAPITAL GROUP
McKinstry is also wary of the challenge of Police FC, whom they beat 2-1 in the reverse fixture.
“We expect a team that will move the ball quickly on a good surface like at Kasarani. We're expecting a tough game, but we're ready for it."
The hosts boast of experienced coach Francis Barasa and active international players such as Parick Matasi, Duke Abuya, Elvis Rupia, and Abud Omar among others.
Francis Baraza’s charges will also look to draw inspiration from their last game where they beat Vihiga Bullets 4-0. Duke Abuya, Francis Kahata, Alvin Mang’eni, and Elvis Rupia were on the score sheet on the day.
Statistically, Gor Mahia and Police FC have met three times in the league since the latter acquired top-tier status just last season. Each side has won once with one tie ending in a stalemate.
Kogallo will hope that their talisman, Benson Omalla is in his best form if they have to get maximum points from the game. Omalla tops the scoring charts having scored 24 goals this season and is on course to break the long-standing record of 26 goals in a season.
Meanwhile, league leaders Tusker FC will be travelling to the dreaded Sudi Stadium to face a Nzoia FC side that is unbeaten at home.
A win for Gor Mahia will see them regain the top spot on the log if the Brewers fail to win in Bungoma.
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