Betway Cup: Gor and Leopards determined to end trophy drought as Tusker, Bidco sail through

Kenneth Muguna (Left) of Gor Mahia FC contest for ball with tussle Elvis Rupia of AFC Leopards SC during their FKF Premier League Match at the MISC, Kasarani stadium on February 7, 2021.[Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Gor Mahia assistant coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo is banking on the team’s mentality to end their nine-year domestic trophy drought this season.

The record FKF Premier League champions last lifted the Betway Cup in 2012 when they beat Sofapaka 3-0 on post-match penalties.

But as they clash with little known Mara Sugar in Sunday’s (3.30pm) round of 16 encounter at Ruaraka Grounds, the former Kenyan international feels the resurgent K’Ogalo has what it takes to win a double this campaign.

Gor Mahia, who thrashed North Rift outfit Cusco 5-0 to sail through on Thursday, appears to have dragged themselves back into the Premier League title race after registering five wins in a row. Their latest 1-0 win over Wazito took joint-fourth placed Gor’s points tally to 31, seven behind leaders Tusker.

“We have had good preparation. The morale is high and that’s exactly what has been pushing us,” Omollo told Standard Sports.

“I think we have a very big opportunity to win the domestic cup this season. The mentality of the team has changed and everybody wants to win both the league and the Cup.”

Just like Gor, their perennial rivals AFC Leopards have a chance to a claim a double this season.

Gor Mahia FC Stand-in-Coach Sammy Omollo after match during the second leg CAF Champions League match on Wednesday at Nyayo National stadium, Jan 6, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

But having dropped the maximum points in their 3-1 defeat to Bidco United in the league, the record domestic cup winners need to be at their best as they seek revenge on Bungoma Superstars for eliminating them from the same stage of the 2019 edition of the tournament.  

Superstars edged out AFC 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw in regular time at Bukhungu Stadium.

In other fixtures today, holders Bandari face a tricky trip to Kakamega against Sigalagala TTI as Ulinzi Stars battle with Nairobi City Stars in an early kick off match at Ruaraka. Kariobangi Sharks will also be in action with KCB at Utalii Grounds. On Saturday, Tusker and Equity progressed to the next round after beating Luanda Villa (1-0) and Vegpro (2-1) respectively.

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