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The Nairobian

YEARNING FOR VICTORY: Gor Mahia seeking to beat Ulinzi to go top of KPL today

Football

By Gilbert Wandera | Sep 17, 2014

Ulinzi Stars' Geoffrey Kokoyo (right) dribbles past Innocent Mutiso of Gor Mahia in a past Kenyan Premier League match at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru. [PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

Can Gor Mahia reclaim their top position in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL)? This will be the big question when the club hosts Ulinzi Stars at City Stadium today.

Gor Mahia have been pushed down to second spot on the log by Sofapaka though only on goal difference as both sides have 43 points.

It has been a trying two weeks for Gor Mahia fans who have gone this long without a win.

First, it was a barren draw against KCB and then most recently a 1-1 tie against fellow title contenders Tusker at Kasarani.

Both results contributed to Gor Mahia surrendering their top position on the log but have a chance to recover against Ulinzi Stars this afternoon.

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Ahead of the match, a lot of positives are coming out of the Gor Mahia camp despite the winless streak. Team captain Jerim Onyango insists the 1-1 tie against Tusker was actually a positive result for the KPL champions and one they need to build up on when the team hosts their soldier opponents.

“It was actually a positive result for us if we look at it critically. We gave it our best and need to just pick up from it against Ulinzi. It has not taken away our title ambitions,” he said.

It is a view shared by assistant coach Bob Ogolla. “We wanted to win against Tusker. It was disappointing to surrender our advantage the way we did. We are ready to bounce back against Ulinzi Stars,” he said.

Lethal Ugandan striker Dan Sserunkuma should lead Gor Mahia’s attack even as he chases the golden boot.

Sserunkuma has been impressive for the KPL champions scoring in crucial matches. In Timothy Otieno he has found an able striking partner though the youngster still needs to mature in his game.

Gor Mahia are well covered in midfield with Collins Okoth controlling matters in this department.

But the KPL champions will miss the services of influential defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino who is suspended for one match after picking five yellow cards.

Owino was cautioned against Tusker on Sunday and his absence is likely to create a hitch in the Gor Mahia backline.

The soldiers are as desperate for victory as their opponents are especially after going down 1-0 to KCB.

Ulinzi coach Robert Matano has vowed to bounce back against Gor Mahia on Wednesday,

“We got our chances but did not use them against KCB. We have no choice but to recover in our next match,” he said.

Matano will be hoping that top striker Stephen Waruru is good for to get him the elusive goals.

Ulinzi Stars are chasing a top eight finish and cannot afford another loss. [email protected]