Gor Mahia upbeat ahead of FKF Cup quarterfinals against Sharks

FILE: Coach Gor Mahia Vaz Pinto during FkF Premier League match against Wazito at Utalii Grounds on May 31,2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gor Mahia captain Harun Shakava is optimistic they will qualify for the FKF Cup semifinals set for the weekend when they play Kariobangi Sharks in the quarterfinals on Thursday (today) at Utalii Grounds.

Shakava, who rejoined Gor earlier this year in February, said the team which is enjoying a rich form will be aiming to make it nine consecutive wins for the club in all competitions

He said they are confident of progressing further in the tournament despite earlier setbacks when playing Sharks.

Since their first meeting in 2017, K’Ogalo have faced Kariobangi Sharks 10 times in all competitions, winning six, losing thrice and drawing just once.

Prior to thrashing Gor Mahia 4-3 in their premier league match played in January 10, Sharks knocked out Gor 4-2 in penalties at the same stage to sail through to the semifinals of the then Shield Cup in 2018.

“It will be a tight contest. Sharks won in the league fixture but this is a different game. As always, we will be aiming for a win to progress to the next stage,” Shakava said according to Gor Mahia Twitter handle.

Gor head coach Manuel Vaz Pinto said it will be a cautious approach against a team he respects though banking hopes on his side’s quality and capability.

“We will look at the match against Kariobangi Sharks with respect and we’ll take a cautious approach. Sharks are a good team with a good coach and they also have good players but Gor Mahia is also a good team and we have good players,” Pinto said.

“I expect a good game. We look to this match with confidence and with ambitions to be in the semi-final.”

Gor will however miss the services of striker Tito Okello who has been released to join his national team as requested by the South Sudan Football Federation.

South Sudan is scheduled to play Jordan on June 21 in a friendly match – as part of the preparation for their participation in FIFA Arab World Cup Qatar 2021 in Doha.

Gor will be playing Sharks at 3.00PM (East African Time) in the third quarterfinals after the surprise package, Equity and AFC Leopards progressed to the semis on Wednesday after knocking out holders Bandari and league leaders Tusker respectively.

The other match today will feature Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United at Ruaraka Grounds. The winner between the two will meet either Sharks or Gor in the semifinals to be played over the weekend.

Thursday FKF Cup Quarterfinals fixtures

Gor Mahia vs Kariobangi Sharks-3pm Utalii

Nairobi City Stars vs Bidco United-3pm Ruaraka