- Gor Mahia edged past Murang’a SEAL in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 2(5)–2(4) in the FKF Cup semifinals on Sunday, May 25, at Dandora Stadium.
- Murang’a SEAL head coach Yusuf Chipo revealed that they allowed Gor Mahia to dominate the second half, which led to them conceding the lead and eventually being forced into a penalty shootout.
- Despite the setback, the former Harambee Stars head coach expressed confidence that his team will survive the relegation battle.
Murang’a SEAL head coach Yusuf Chipo has pinpointed the tactical lapse that led to their elimination from the Football Kenya Federation Cup by Gor Mahia in the semifinals on Sunday, where they succumbed in a penalty shootout.
The two sides battled to a 2-2 draw in regulation time in a tense match held at the Dandora Stadium.
Michael Owen opened the scoring for SEAL, but Bryson Wangai leveled for Gor Mahia.
Alpha Onyango then put Gor ahead before Wilson Kamau equalized, forcing the tie into a penalty shootout.
Gor Mahia converted all five of their spot-kicks, while SEAL’s Harun Mwale had his effort saved by Gad Mathew, sealing a 5-3 shootout victory for the record champions.
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We allowed Gor Mahia to dominate the second half – Chipo
The FKF Cup had represented a glimmer of hope in what has otherwise been a turbulent season for SEAL, who are currently battling relegation.
Chipo, who assumed the coaching role seven weeks ago, admitted the team lost momentum in the second half, prompting tactical adjustments that allowed them to equalize – but not to regain control.
We struggled in the second half which allowed Gor Mahia to bounce back. We made some adjustments that allowed us to get the draw in full time,” Chipo explained after the match as per the Pulse sport.
However, penalties do not really belong to anyone in particular, but I am grateful my players showed great effort and I know we are heading in the right direction.”
The former Harambee Stars head coach also shed light on his tactical approach against Gor, which initially proved effective as they netted the opening goal.
However, he expressed disappointment with the handling of Gor’s second strike, suggesting goalkeeper Wilson Ngamau could have done better.
The most important thing was for players to calm down, which is why we found the back of the net. However, they found the back of the net in the second half and I believe my goalkeeper should have done better dealing with the second one. Regardless, we made some adjustments that allowed us to restore parity,” he added.
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Despite the setback, Chipo remains resolute. He emphasized the need to regroup and focus on the final two fixtures of the season, which will determine their survival in the FKF Premier League.
“We have to regroup and find how we can get at least a draw or win against Mara Sugar, and then do well against FC Talanta,” he said.
“But I am confident we will still be in the Premier League next season”
Currently 16th with 34 points, SEAL’s survival hinges on these final two games as they stare down the specter of relegation.
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