Africa-Press – Kenya. Record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia will be looking to steady their campaign when they face bottom-placed Kariobangi Sharks in a rescheduled league fixture at Moi Stadium, Kasarani, on Tuesday. It is a meeting of two sides moving in different emotional directions but united by urgency.
Gor Mahia sit fourth on the table with 23 points, still searching for consistency and authority, while Sharks are rooted to the bottom with 12 points from 14 matches, battling to stay relevant in the title race and avoid being cut adrift.
K’Ogalo head into the match still carrying the unresolved weight of a controversial 1-1 draw against Nairobi United on December 21, a game that was ultimately abandoned following crowd trouble at Dandora Stadium.
Head coach Charles Akonnor insists his side has moved on, even as questions linger over discipline and game management. “We cannot live in the past,” Akonnor said.
“What happened was unfortunate, but it does not define who we are. This is a new game, and we must respond like champions.
”The Ghanaian tactician admitted Gor Mahia’s current league position falls short of expectations.
“Being fourth with 23 points is not Gor Mahia’s standard,” he said.
“There is responsibility that comes with wearing this badge, and we must start showing it consistently.
”Akonnor stressed the need to turn dominance into results.
“We are creating chances and controlling games, but football punishes you when you don’t finish your work,” he said.
“Against Sharks, concentration from the first minute will be key.
”He described the fixture as a chance for a reset.
“One strong performance can change the mood in the camp. We are chasing progress.
”Kariobangi Sharks arrive after a goalless draw with Sofapaka on December 22, a result that offered some defensive encouragement but did little to ease pressure.
“Twelve points from 14 matches is not acceptable,” Sharks head coach William Muluya admitted.
“We are aware of our situation.
”However, he believes there are signs of improvement.
“We kept a clean sheet and stayed organised. That’s something to build on,” he said. Muluya acknowledged the scale of the challenge. “Gor Mahia are Gor Mahia, regardless of position.
They have quality and experience, but football is not played on reputation alone,” he said. “We are bottom, but that does not mean we surrender. These are the matches that can change a season if you approach them with belief.
”Gor Mahia will be without captain Austin Odhiambo, but Akonnor insists the squad has the depth to cope.
“Austin is important, but this is why you build a squad,” he said.
“Others must step up. I believe in the group we have.”
