After a disappointing outing against Nairobi City Stars in their fourth match of the season, Gor Mahia will seek redemption on Saturday evening when they lock horns against Murang’a Seal at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos county.
The defending Kenya Premier League champions unexpectedly dropped points in that match and are eager to bounce back from their recent 2-1 defeat.
Gor Mahia’s squad was notably affected by the absence of several key players, who were away on international duty while others were sidelined due to disciplinary issues linked to their participation in unsanctioned matches.
Among the sanctioned players included Ghanaian signing Enock Morrison, Paul Ochuoga, Musa Masika, and Chris Ochieng.
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Austin Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija and Geofrey Ochieng missed the match after being called up to the national team squad for the CHAN 2024 qualifier against South Sudan.
Prior to the City Stars loss, Gor Mahia had a strong start to the season as they recorded a 4-0 victory over Mathare United, a 3-0 win against Posta Rangers and a goalless draw against league leaders KCB.
On the other hand, Murang’a Seal have had a mixed season so far, with a record of 2W 2D 2L from their six matches.
They recently secured a narrow 1-0 win over Ulinzi Stars but fell to KCB (2-0) and Kariobangi Sharks (3-0). Seal have also drawn 1-1 with Mara Sugar and 0-0 against Bandari FC, with their last match ending in a victory against AFC Leopards from a well-taken free kick.
Gor Mahia out to end two-match winless run
Abdallah Juma’s squad will be looking to avoid another defeat to Leonardo Neiva’s team, having lost 3-1 in their previous encounter last season, although they managed to hold Gor Mahia to a 0-0 draw earlier.
Meanwhile, Sofapaka, coming off their first win of the season against Shabana, will aim for another three points against Kakamega Homeboyz, who also secured their first win against Nairobi City Stars.
Both teams have had rocky starts and will fight hard for the points at Danadora Stadium on Saturday.
On Sunday, Ulinzi Stars, after securing their first win 2-1 against Posta Rangers, will take on AFC Leopards at Kinooru Stadium in Meru County.
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AFC Leopards will be without three key players due to disciplinary actions related to unauthorized participation in amateur matches.
They previously dropped points with a 1-1 draw against Sharks and a 1-0 loss to Murang’a Seal.
AFC Leopards, the twelve-time league champions, will miss Victor Omune, who was also dropped from the national team, along with defender Kennedy Owino and Julius Masaba.
This match is crucial for Leopards, currently in fourth place with 10 points after six matches, seven points behind league leaders KCB, as they prepare for the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby on November 24th following their clash with Mara Sugar next weekend.
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FKFPL Week 8 Fixtures
Saturday
Gor Mahia vs. Murang’a Seals
FC Talanta vs. Kariobangi Sharks
Sofapaka vs. Kakamega Homeboyz
Sunday
Ulinzi Stars vs. AFC Leopards
Mathare United vs. KCB FC
Bidco United vs. Mara Sugar
Kenya Police vs. Posta Rangers
