In a highly anticipated match that could potentially determine the outcome of the FKF Premier League title race, Gor Mahia is set to face Tusker FC at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
Head coach Jonathan McKinstry is hoping his team can overcome their derby heartbreak and secure victory against their title rivals.
Tusker currently sits at the top of the league standings with 64 points, holding a slim one-point lead over second-placed Gor Mahia.
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With only four matches remaining for each team, the significance of this encounter cannot be overstated. The outcome will not only grant the victor a crucial advantage but could also prove decisive in the final stretch of the season.
McKinstry is well aware of the challenge his team faces.
“Tusker is one of those kinds of ‘no-thrill’ teams which know what they are trying to do and are steadfast in doing it well. With the way they play, we need to be at our best to be able to win the game,” the tactician said.
He added; “They have added some players in mid-season like Levin (Odhiambo) the left back who is really talented, they also have Ojok (Deogratious) who is back playing regularly but in terms of their set up and structure, there’s not so much difference from the first leg.”
The first leg of the season saw Gor Mahia emerge triumphant with a 2-1 victory at the Kasarani Stadium.
McKinstry hopes to replicate that success and complete a home and away sweep of the Brewers. He draws inspiration from his team’s strong performance in the recent derby against AFC Leopards, despite suffering a narrow defeat.
“We will go in full throttle as we always do when we compete against the top teams. We always come up with big performances even though sometimes we don’t get the result. I am not worried about our performance but more of us being clinical and converting our chances,” McKinstry stated.
Gor Mahia will enter the match with a full-strength squad, offering McKinstry plenty of options. Moreover, they hold an advantage in terms of rest, having been eliminated from the Cup competition, unlike Tusker who played a tough FKF Cup semi-final match against Ulinzi Stars just a day prior.
