Sofapaka seek revenge against Gor

Sofapaka FC's Stephene Otieno (left) shield Leon Doso of Chemelil FC during KPL match at Muhoroni Stadium on Saturday, Jan 25, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Sofapaka will be desperately looking to inflict revenge on Kenyan Premier League leaders Gor Mahia when the two sides clash in tomorrow’s return leg at Narok Stadium.

The encounter comes barely two weeks after K’Ogalo saw off Batoto Ba Mungu 2-1 in Kisumu.

Even though inconsistency has been Sofapaka’s main problem this season, head coach John Baraza was pleased with his side’s fighting spirit in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Mathare United in Machakos.

Sofapaka came from behind to share the spoils with the Slum Boys in an end-to-end game before Gor trounced Nzoia Sugar 3-0 to open up a four-point gap at the top of the table.

And unlike Gor (44 points), who are on course of their record 19th league title, Sofapaka (27) have been blowing hot and cold throughout the season.

Though encouraged by last weekend’s performance, Baraza knows it will not be a walk in the park for his side against the Green Army.

“I won’t take the Gor Mahia game lightly. It’s my hope that we will carry the fighting spirit and attitude against Mathare into that game. We’ve to make sure we got off to a good start and make things difficult for them,” Baraza told Standard Sports.

“But with the quality Gor possess and their current form, we expect nothing short of a tough game. However, the Kisumu result will have no bearing on this match.”

Despite drifting out of the title race, the former Kenyan international is adamant the 2009 league champions will finish in a better position this season.

“Everything is intact. The spirit is there and the will is there from the boys. In football, there are such moments where you perform well but you don’t get the desired results,” said Baraza.

“For sure, we still have a long way to go. But like you are aware we still have a lot of points to fight for starting with the Gor Mahia match. We will keep on fighting for all the remaining points.”

Meanwhile, KCB hope to close the gap on league leaders Gor Mahia with a victory over Kariobangi Sharks in Machakos today.

A win for the bankers will see them take them leapfrog Kakamega Homeboyz into the second place and take their points tally to 42, two shy of K’Ogalo.