- Gor Mahia will be chasing a spot in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) 2024/25 Cup final when they face Murang’a SEAL on Sunday, May 25, at Dandora Stadium 4:00 PM.
- This will be the second meeting between the two sides in a week, following their goalless draw in the FKF Premier League last Sunday.
- The record Kenyan champions are eyeing a place in the final as they pursue a potential domestic double, while SEAL are hoping to reach their first-ever FKF Cup final.
Gor Mahia will be aiming to book a spot in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) 2024/25 Cup final when they take on Murang’a SEAL in a high-stakes semifinal clash scheduled for Sunday, May 25, at Dandora Stadium (4:00 PM).
This encounter marks the second meeting between the two sides in just seven days, having previously battled to a goalless stalemate last Sunday in an FKF Premier League fixture at the SportPesa Arena.
The record Kenyan champions are targeting a place in the final as they chase a potential domestic double.
While the top-flight title remains within reach, they currently sit third in the league with 54 points, trailing leaders Kenya Police by seven points though they hold a game in hand.
With Kenya Police needing just one more victory to seal the league title, Gor’s hopes of defending their crown hang in the balance.
Therefore, they cannot afford to squander the opportunity to progress to the Cup final, where they aim to claim their 12th title in the competition, a feat they last achieved in 2021 against AFC Leopards.
Gor’s path to the semifinals has been relatively smooth.
They began their campaign with a 3-0 win over Kenya School of Government FC in the round of 64, followed by a dominant 5-0 victory against Githurai AllStars in the round of 32.
In the round of 16, they dispatched Bandari FC 2-0 before overcoming Kariobangi Sharks by the same margin in the quarterfinals.
On the other hand, Murang’a SEAL have endured a turbulent season in the top flight, languishing in the relegation playoff spot at 16th place with 33 points – just two points above bottom-placed Nairobi City Stars.
Their survival in the league hangs by a thread.
SEAL kicked off their FKF Cup campaign with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Gituru FC, winning 4-2 on spot kicks after a 2-2 draw.
They once again triumphed on penalties in the round of 32 against Fortune FC, winning 4-3. In the round of 16, they cruised past Kibera Soccer FC with a commanding 5-1 win, before edging Ulinzi Stars 3-2 in the quarterfinals.
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Chipo confident ahead of clash
Under the guidance of head coach Yusuf Chipo, SEAL will be hoping to cause an upset and continue their impressive cup run.
Chipo remains optimistic following last week’s encounter with Gor Mahia, expressing confidence in his side’s ability to reach the final.
We’ve gone back to the drawing board, identified our weaknesses and their strengths, and agreed on our approach. If everything goes according to plan, we have a real chance of making it to the final,” Chipo told Citizen digital.
However, he voiced concerns about playing at Dandora Stadium due to the artificial turf, which differs from their usual natural grass pitch.
It will be a different kind of match compared to last weekend. We’re used to playing on natural grass, and adapting to an artificial surface might be tough, but I believe the boys will cope and rise to the occasion,” he noted.
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Gor Mahia Enock Morrison reflects on team morale
On the other side, Gor Mahia will be led by interim coaches Michael Nam and Zedekiah Otieno, following the recent departure of head coach Sinisa Mihic.
Midfielder Enock Morrison admitted the team is navigating a difficult phase but remains focused on the task ahead.
We know what lies ahead. It’s a difficult moment for us, but we’re doing our best to qualify for the final and, if possible, win the cup,” Morrison said during a training session at Dandora.
We’ve gone back to address the areas where we fell short last weekend. Everyone is working hard to secure the win and restore confidence among our fans and the players,” he added.
With both clubs sponsored by betting powerhouse SportPesa, this semifinal carries added significance.
For Gor Mahia, the Cup offers a chance to salvage their season if the league title eludes them.
For Murang’a SEAL, it could be a defining moment a potential trophy amidst a relegation battle and a much-needed morale boost ahead of their final two league matches.
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