- Gor Mahia assistant captain Austin Odhiambo has explained what led to their 0–1 defeat to arch-rivals AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby.
- Odhiambo captained the match, which they hosted at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, December 7.
- Julius Masaba scored the solitary goal for Ingwe in the 25th minute- a situation Odhiambo says they were determined to avoid.
Gor Mahia assistant captain Austin Odhiambo has explained the key tactical lapse that led to their 0-1 defeat against arch-rivals AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday.
Odhiambo was entrusted with the captain’s armband for the 98th edition of the thrilling encounter, staged at Nyayo National Stadium, where he played the full 90 minutes.
However, despite his efforts to influence the contest, Ingwe managed to neutralize him, and Julius Masaba’s 25th-minute strike delivered the decisive blow as Gor Mahia suffered their second consecutive SportPesa League loss.
ALSO READ: Masaba strike stuns Gor Mahia as AFC Leopards claim Mashemeji Derby bragging rights in 98th edition
Gor Mahia assistant captain Austin Odhiambo reflects on Mashemeji Derby defeat to AFC Leopards
Speaking to the press afterward, the creative midfielder said their plan was to contain AFC Leopards in the first half and avoid conceding early.
However, letting in a goal disrupted their strategy for the day.
That is exactly what we tried to avoid– conceding early– because we knew an early goal would boost their morale.
Unfortunately, they scored, and it disrupted our game plan. It’s a lesson learned, and we aim to correct things,” Odhiambo explained.
Odhiambo, who faced his former club, also felt the team did not perform as a cohesive unit, which contributed to the disappointing display. He nevertheless congratulated his former side.
I believe it comes down to teamwork. Had we played as a collective, the outcome might have been different. We didn’t function as a unit today, so we’ll now focus on the next match.
It was their day, the result went their way, and we respect that. We congratulate them, then move forward,” he said.
Odhiambo also assured fans the team will bounce back and deliver stronger performances in the coming fixtures.
“The league has just begun, and I understand this match meant a lot to our supporters. We’re also hurting from the loss, but we will move forward as a team and find ways to make them proud,” he reiterated.
ALSO READ: AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani left elated after Mashemeji Derby win over rivals Gor Mahia
The defeat cost the record champions points, dropping them from the summit as Kenya Police now lead the table. Gor Mahia sit second with 19 points, one behind Police.
They will aim to rebound after two disappointing results when they travel to Mombasa on December 12, Jamhuri Day, to face struggling Bandari FC at Mbaraki Sports Club.
