Nzoia test for Gor in Mumias

Gor Mahia Willis Timothy Otieno(R) and Willis Ouma of Chemelil battle for ball possession during their Sportpesa Premier League match at Thika Stadium on Wednesday 10/05/17.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Joint Kenyan Premier League leaders Gor Mahia face another test of character when they travel to Mumias tomorrow to face Nzoia Sugar at Mumias Complex.

Both teams are coming off quite different results from their mid-week matches. While Gor Mahia beat Chemelil Sugar 2-0 to go level on points (22) with Posta Rangers, Nzoia Sugar threw away a slim 1-0 first half lead to lose 1-2 to Bandari.

Although the 15-time champions go into this match as favourites, they must be worried of Nzoia’s five-game home unbeaten run.

Apart from a 5-2 win over KPL champions Tusker, the sugar millers have been blowing hot and cold.

But three wins in ten matches and a tenth place on the log is still an impressive performance by a new comer to top flight football. Nzoia have already beaten Gor Mahia and that was during the GOtv tournament last season.

It is because of this reason that K’Ogalo coach Jose Marcelo ‘Ze Maria’ has warned his players not to underrate the Bernard Mwalala’s side.

“My experience with some of these teams has not been very good. For most of them, meeting Gor Mahia is like playing a final and they all want to beat us,” said Marcelo.

“Look at what happened to us two weeks ago when we lost to Mathare United and you understand what I am talking about.

“I am proud of my players’ performance in the last two matches. We responded quickly from the Mathare defeat to win the Mashemeji Derby and also beat Chemelil.”

With Timothy Otieno due to face a late fitness test, Gor are likely to bank on the attacking duo of Meddie Kagere and George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo as on-form Kenneth Muguna takes control of the midfield.