Gor Mahia will look to build on the three points they earned on Wednesday against Ulinzi Stars in their rescheduled match, as they prepare to host Kariobangi Sharks at the Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 4:00 PM EAT.
K’Ogalo, who had gone three matches without a win before their decisive victory, will be aiming for their seventh win of the season.
A victory could propel them to third place with 24 points, depending on Bandari’s result against AFC Leopards. They would also move just three points behind KCB and Tusker, who are currently in the top two spots with 27 points each.
For the Gor Mahia interim coach, the match could be key to securing a long-term contract might he secure a win. In the seven matches Otieno has been in charge so far, he secured four victories, one drawn and two defeats.
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In contrast, Kariobangi Sharks have been struggling with form, having secured just one win in their last 10 matches.
They ended a seven-match winless streak with a 1-0 triumph over Posta Rangers but were then held to a 2-2 draw by Nairobi City Stars before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mara Sugar.
The William Muluya side, sits 11th on the table with 18 points from four wins, six draws, and four losses, have also been poor on the road. They have earned just two wins and eight points from seven away matches this season.
In recent meetings, Gor Mahia have had the upper hand over Kariobangi Sharks. The last time the Sharks defeated K’Ogalo was in 2021, when they won 2-1. Since then, Gor Mahia has won four times, with the two teams sharing the spoils twice.
A victory for the Sharks could provide a much-needed morale boost as they look to finish the year on a positive note, following a series of disappointing results.
However, they will be without key players, including Baron Otieno, Keith Imbali, and Ally Sallum, who remain sidelined due to injury.
The onus will fall on Andreas Odhiambo, Steve Mbulere, and Victor Ngume to inspire the team get the maximum points.
On the other hand, Zico will likely rely on the same squad that triumphed over Ulinzi Stars, having made five changes to his lineup. Key players such as captain Austin Onyango, Gedeon Bendeka, Samuel Kapen, and Rooney Onyango will be crucial as they aim to finish the year on a high.
