Give way, for Gor Mahia are coming

When they registered for this year’s GOtv shield tournament, Kisumu-based Palos never imagined that they could get to play this year’s SportPesa Premier League (KPL) champions, Gor Mahia.

But the team has found itself on the path of Gor Mahia after both sides won their round of 32 matches played over the weekend.

Now Palos will be attempting to make history by becoming the first team to beat Gor Mahia this season and coach Paul Ogai believes he can do what no other side has so far achieved.

Palos edged out Talanta 4-2 on post-match penalties, while Gor Mahia went through after a hard fought 3-2 win over Ushuru. “For most of our players, this is the biggest game of their career. The fact that Gor Mahia are enjoying top form makes it even more difficult. But it is a huge motivation to us and we want to prove a point,” he said.

Ogai insisted that anything can happen in the match. “We have watched Gor Mahia’s matches and realised that the attack is their biggest strength. At the same time, however, they tend to leave their back exposed. If we get organised, then we can do it.”

Palos are currently second in the third tier league and Ogai insists their main objective is qualify for next year’s Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League. “Our major focus is the league and whatever positive result we get in the GOtv shield is a bonus,” he added.

After retaining the KPL title this season, Gor Mahia remain in contention for a treble. Apart from trying to win the GOtv shield, they will also try their hands in the KPL Top 8 tournament, which starts this weekend.

Elsewhere, a number of upsets were registered over the weekend with GOtv shield defending champions Sofapaka being the biggest losers after going down 5-4 on post match penalties to Super League side, Administration Police.

After failing to put up a fight in the KPL title, Sofapaka were expected to defend the GOtv shield, but will now have to focus on the Top 8. The team is surely having one of its worst seasons so far and recently lost their head coach Sam Timbe after he declined to renew his contract.

Nzoia United also caused an upset by defeating FKF PL side Posta Rangers 2-1 on Saturday.

Nakumatt, who take part in the FKF PL, defeated KPL side Nairobi City Stars. The second round of the shield competition will be held on October 10 and 11. The winner of the tournament will play in next year’s Confederation’s Cup tournament.