Gor Mahia players missing as Stars held by Comoros
Harambee Stars were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Comoros in an AFCON qualifier at Kasarani on Wednesday. There were no Gor Mahia players in the starting line-up. In fact there were no local players in the starting line-up with the exception of Samuel Olwande of Kariobangi Sharks. The only Gor Mahia player in the matchday squad was Kenneth Muguna who started on the bench. It was Jacob “Ghost” Mulee’s first match in charge since he took over coaching duties.
Comoros struck first in the 27th minute. A swerving cross that seemed to change direction in mid-air leaving Arnold Origi flat footed. Masoud Juma equalized in the 65th minute with classic poachers goal. He struck an opportunistic half-volley while surrounded by defenders.
Former Gor Mahia players Eric Ouma “Marcelo” and Clifford Nyakeya, formerly of Gor Mahia youth started the match. Former Gor Mahia defender David Owino came in as a sub and impressed with good crosses in the second half. A far cry from his nighmare performance at AFCON 2019. Talisman Michael Olunga was left out as a precaution as his Japanese side are wracked with Covid 19. Muguna’s omission from the starting line-up came as a surprise to fans who said he was the most creative player in the match against Zambia.
With no Gor Mahia players seeing significant action, they will be fully fit and injury free for the APR match. Though they may lack the sharpness that comes with playing competitive games. Indeed coach Mulee cited lack of game-time as the reason for not starting any local players.
Kenya starting line up: Arnold Origi (GK), Joseph Okumu, Brian Mandela, Samuel Olwande, Erick Ouma, Victor Wanyama (captain), Johanna Omolo, Erick Omondi, Ayub Timbe, Cliff Nyakeya, Masoud Juma
Substitutes: Ian Otieno (GK), Brian Bwire (GK), David Owino Odhiambo, David Owino Ambulu, John Avire, John Mark Makwata, Ismael Gonzalez, Hassan Abdallah, Bonface Muchiri, Johnstone Omurwa, Kenneth Muguna, Anthony Akumu
That is the end of the road for Mulei Ghost,he is rusted and dusted.coaching the same team and being fired every term is a different proposition.Kenya is headed nowhere.some of us were sceptical but we have proved right.being a commentator at radio Jambo can not make Ghost a good tactician.relying on guys who are bench warmers in non competitive leagues was his most undoing.Mwenda seems to be on s marketing spree again with Mulei turning the favor by Fielding a kariobangi sharks player.the return leg will be a nightmare for him.where was Kahata and Joash Onyango,and the former gor mahia captain plying his trade in zambia.when you play friendlies we have local players but when real matches come you field players who haven’t been together for ages,what do you expect.
Nyakeya is good. He was in the Gor Mahia youth team but was allowed to leave and join Mathare. Instead Gor Mahia signed : Sekisambu, Mustapha , Castro Ogendo, Lokuwam etc. Better scouting is needed
As long as “long serving” Jolawi is TM he will continue to implement the wishes of the cartel.
Frustrate and force the title, league, winning coach to resign so that they can overhaul half the team with their own choice of players.
No player is ever promoted from the youth system and half of the newly recruited players never play a single competitive match the whole season.
Pollack had identified locally based players in readiness for CAF, that marked the beginning of his exit.
P.S.
Part of the machinations include refusal to renew contracts of performing players so that they can be lost on free transfers.
This the “easiest” draw for GMFC to reach the Kes.55m group stage of the CAF CL, and finance the club’s 50%, budget deficit but all this depends on whether Jolawi & Co. put aside personal interests and made quality not quantity signings, both head coach & players.