Gor Mahia vs Palos FC,
Date: 14/10/2015
Time: 4PM
Venue: Moi Sports Center Kasarani

When 2015 KPL champions Gor Mahia take to the field this evening to face little known Palos FC from Kisumu City in the Kenya Cup “GoTV Shield” round of 16, two of their dependable defenders in Karim Nzigiyimana and Abouba Sibomana will be missing.

Karim was involved with his national team Burundi in the 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup qualifier against Seychelles yesterday while Abouba has been with Rwanda in a ten day training camp in Morocco, he is expected back tomorrow (Thursday 15).

The contributions of the two for K’Ogalo this season cannot be understated, however coach Frank Nuttall is expected to find suitable replacements for them. Sibomana has not played for Gor since picking an injury in Amavubi’s 1-0 loss at home to Ghana in the AFCON 2017 qualifier and Ugandan Godfrey Walusimba has been preferred in the left back position.

Bernard Odhiambo or midfielder Earnest Wendo could be called upon today to step in Karim’s shoes in the right back position. Forward Meddie Kagere who was yesterday voted Sportpesa/SJAK player of the month of September will be expected to lead the goal hunt assisted by Michael Olunga who has also been active with the national team Harambee Stars. Olunga scored a goal and assisted two in Kenya’s 5-2 aggregate win over Mauritius in the World Cup qualifiers.

The 2012 champions narrowly beat KPL side Ushuru FC 3-2 to reach the round of 16 and they will be out to affirm their status as the favorites and keep their eyes focused on a treble this season, a feat which is rightly within their reach going by their impeccable form.

Palos Coach Paul Ogayi believes the desire to make a statement against a giant like Gor will be the main drive for his charges.

“It’s a team many of my boys have been watching and supports. It’s normal for an opponent to want to prove a point not only against a champion but any other team. So maybe the boys can derive motivation in that and do their part in the match.” He said.

The third tier side eliminated FKF PL team FC Talanta on post match penalties to reach this level, an achievement they hope to replicate this evening.

Prediction:

Gor 3-0 Palos

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com