AFC Leopards will host Gor Mahia on Sunday 22nd July at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in what is the only league action set for this weekend.
Gor Mahia have a nine-point lead at the summit of the SportPesa Premier League with four games in hand over second-placed Sofapaka (40) while AFC Leopards are fifth with 36 points having played 22 matches. However, AFC Leopards coach Rodolfo Zapata says this does not worry him heading into the derby.
“We are very ready. A derby is won through team effort and I’m always positive. I respect Gor Mahia, but we have a rich history and they need to respect it too. I also strongly believe in my players. The difference between average and superior performance in any club always comes back to the quality of the players hired. The Chairman has brought several young players and the target is to dominate the league in the near future,” Zapata tells KPL
“All of them (new signings) are potentially good players. They however need time to adapt in a big team like AFC Leopards. For this reason, we must be patient in the development process. I need to work progressively and try not to confuse our youngster.” He adds.
The coach has also revealed the team could miss the services of five players ahead of the derby.
“Brian Marita, Dennis Sikhayi, Robinson Kamura, Saad Musa and Alex Oratamal couldn’t practice properly this week while our captain Duncan Otieno has 5 yellow cards and will miss the match.” He said.
Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr has also termed the match as “important” and urged his players to treat as such.
“The players are aware how important the derby is to the team and to the fans as well and they have to give it their all. Our opponents also know there are bragging rights in this one and I believe they are also looking to upset us. We will approach the match with the seriousness it deserves.” Kerr said.
Each VIP ticket for the match that kicks off at 3PM will cost Ksh 500 while a terrace ticket will be going for Ksh 200. The match will be live on K24.
Heading to the derby, they Gor Mahia picked a 4-0 win courtesy of a brace from Ephraim Guikan, Humphrey Mieno and an own goal from Hajj Mwinyi. The win saw Gor Mahia FC end their wait for a win in the group’s stages of the Confederations Cup.
Gor Mahia FC are now placed second on the CAF Confederations Cup group D with five points, two behind leaders USM Algiers. Rayon is third while Yanga sits bottom.
Charles Momanyi failed to put Yanga custodian Youth Rostand to his first test as the rising defender failed to guide his header on goal at the end of Samuel Onyango’s cross on the 11th minute.
But it was Jacques Tuyisenge who pulled the first trigger after checking his run well to stay in line with the Yanga center back duo before ducking out to turn home yet another Onyango delivery from the right wing on the 23rd minute.
Humphrey Mieno was superb in the midfield and his classy display of the opening session was crowned with an exquisite assist that sent Ephrem Guikan right through the middle of the opposition defense, and the Ivorian made it count with a well taken low shot past a helpless Youth Rostand. 2-0 Gor Mahia led at the break.
Francis Kahata was also leading the midfield orchestra in his normal style and fashion. His contribution led to the third goal. In the build-up, Bernard Ondiek’s effort from outside the box after a superb run was deflected out for a corner.
While everyone else took position in the Yanga box, Walusimbi at the corner flag saw Kahata unmarked and set him up with a short corner restart, the midfielder floated in a delivery and Shakava rose highest but missed to connect. The ball however did not get Momanyi who was also attacking at the back post as Mwinyi Mngwali attempted clearance turned the ball into his own net for an own goal and Gor Mahia’s third of the encounter.
These goals indeed looked to have settled the tie. But one more goal would always mean so much and that precious fourth came on the 85th minute. This sent the Gor Mahia fans into raptures and sucked life out of the visitors.
Yanga had mounted an attack in search of atleast a consolation goal. But this was stopped by a big clearance by Shakava. Then Francis Mustafa chested the ball down for Mieno in the midfield to release the looking to run Guikan and the rush towards goal was on. The final fire off the striker’s left foot was powerful. Rastand had no chance and the ball came off the far post into the net.
The game was up for the visitors. For coach Kerr, his players and their delighted fans, the quarter-final quest goes on.