It is D-Day as “Kogalo” takes on “Taraji”

When Gor Mahia took on Esperance in 1987, they were favoured and the crowd at Kasarani on that day expected Gor Mahia not just to win, but to entertain the massed crowds. This Saturday however, Gor Mahia will be facing an uphill task playing against a team whose annual budget dwarfs not just Gor Mahia but also dwarfs the budget allocated to Kenya’s ministry of sports.

Nevertheless Gor Mahia with their partisan fans will be going for nothing short of a win. Operation #Jaza Stadi, a campaign to fill the stadium has been in full swing. There have been some hiccups as fans who went looking for tickets on Friday could not find any tickets at the various ticketing points. It was not until 4pm on Friday that Wells Fargo who have been contracted to distribute the tickets finally made them available. Nevertheless Operation #Jaza Stadi is still on track and the tickets will be available tomorrow at 8am. The 12th man will be crucial if Gor Mahia is to stand any chance.

Shades of 1994 vs Zamalek.

This match-up with Esperance has generated alot of buzz and has been eagerly awaited. It is similar to the anticipation that occurred during the Africa champions cup of 1994. It was the 10th anniversary of the Zamalek debacle that happened in 1984.One difference on that day however is that there was one player who was a lone survivor from the previous match-up 10 years earlier. The key protagonist from 1994 , Abbas Magongo, who infamously earned the nickname “Zamalek” from that encounter had just made a return to the club after a stint in the middle East.

On that day too Zamalek were heavily favoured. But Gor Mahia gave a very good account of themselves. They actually outplayed Zamalek. The game ended 1-1. The difference then as it is now is that North African teams rarely waste chances or waste possesion. Zamalek created one chance in the first half and scored. Gor Mahia had the lions share of possesion but could not score until late in the game.

Finishing must improve

Indeed scoring has been the bane of Gor Mahia in the last few years of continental football. Gor Mahia have only scored one goal at home in the last 450 minutes of African football matches at home. And the only goal came via a penalty against US Bitam.  To beat Esperance, the finishing in front of goal must improve. And indeed this is one aspect of the club that Williamson has been working on.

Against ENPPI of Egypt last year, coach Zdrvako Logarusic and organizing secretary Ronald Ngala indicated that in the Cairo match, Gor Mahia create multiple chances but poor finishing doomed their chances.

On Saturday, Gor Mahia will once again be counting on dangerman Danny Sserunkuma. Supporting him upfront will be either Jared Obwoge or George Odhiambo. Supplying them will be the youthful Timonah Wanyonyi, Shaban Kenga and Rama Salim. The return of Kevin Omondi provides further options.  Patrick Oboya with his European experience ought to be very effective against Esperance if fit. Fans will be hoping that Oboya can replicate the heroics of his uncle Peter Dawo from 1987.

The Rear Guard

In defensive midfield, Kizito and Anthony Akumu will be counted on to contain the marauding runs of Osama Darragi and livewire Harry Aful.

With Jerim Onyango injured, the task of stopping Esperance shots will fall to the youthful Joel Bataro or David Juma. Bataro has proven himself with a stellar performance for the national U23 team when they played Senegal. Yours truly watched the game and Bataro looked very solid between the sticks.

In defence, the absence of David Owino who is missing with a suspension will be felt. Israel Emuge should step in to contain the burly Camerounian striker Yannick Djeng. Dan Walusimbi and Musa Mohamed will be kept busy containing the quick Esperance forwards.