Gor Mahia face Tusker in top of table clash

Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno (right) and Boniface Omondi.[Washington Onyango,Kisumu]

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia will be seeking to end Tusker’s 12-match unbeaten run when they face the defending champions on Saturday at the Ruaraka Grounds.

While Gor have not lost their last two matches, Tusker are on an upward curve of not losing any of their last 12 matches. The last time they lost was in January 16 when they went down 1-0 to Nairobi City Stars.

The clash between defending champions Tusker and Gor promises to be a cracker as both teams are separated by a point and have trained their sights on Homeboyz with only 10 matches to the end of the season.

The brewers are tied at 42 points with Nairobi City Stars, both sides having played 24 matches.

Last time Gor and Tusker met was in the Super Cup tie at the beginning of the season which ended in 1-1 draw in regular time but the brewers went on to emerge victorious in the penalty shoot-out.

Tusker defender Charles Momanyi has revealed that constant communication and teamwork have been key in the team’s backline, having kept 12 clean sheets in the last 14 matches.

Tusker has only conceded in two matches, both results from set pieces.

“At the back we always ensure that communication is constant. We have Matasi (Patrick) who is constantly talking to the backline and the four of us ahead of him also constantly talk to each other. Also, we correct each other immediately and move on and I think that has been the secret for us,” Momanyi said according to the club’s website.

Looking back to the last two matches where the team has played to consecutive draws against KCB, Momanyi said; “It was a bit disappointing for us because we wanted to get those six points and ensure the gap between us and the leaders is manageable. But we didn’t achieve that and we take it as a challenge to work harder for the remaining 10 games of the season.”

On Saturday afternoon’s duel against his former side Gor Mahia, Momanyi says; “It will be a tough game because these are two big teams chasing for the title. But as a team we have prepared well and trained well.

“The coach has been pushing us and as players, we have also been pushing ourselves to improve on the things that have not been working well for us. We want to go and fight for three points.”

Other matches will see Kariobangi Sharks face KCB, wounded Kenya Police play Talanta and Mathare United host fellow strugglers Vihiga Bullets.

Saturday

Kariobangi Sharks v KCB (Kasarani Annex, 3.30pm)

Tusker v Gor Mahia (Thika, 3.30 pm)

Bidco United v Posta Rangers (Thika, 1pm)

Kenya Police v Talanta (Nyayo)

Mathare United v Vihiga Bullets (Kasarani Annex, 1pm)