courtesy of the Standard<\/p>\n
Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have already qualified for the continental football next year, there is still more to play for as the two rivals clash in today\u2019s Gotv Shield final at Nyayo National Stadium.<\/p>\n
Gor will represent the country in the CAF Champions League after lifting the Kenyan Premier League title, while Leopards will compete in the Confederations Cup by virtue of reaching the Cup final.<\/p>\n
This will be the third meeting between the two teams this season; Gor won (1-0) the first leg of the Kenyan Premier League before settling to a 2-2 draw in the return tie.<\/p>\n
Apart from the Sh2 million cash prize, the two will be fighting for the bragging rights. Here is a list of the players to watch from both sides.<\/p>\n
Dan Sserenkuma has always been a deciding factor in all matches he\u2019s played against AFC. In the last six matches against Leopards, the diminutive Ugandan has scored six times and that\u2019s definitely a scary statistic for Leopards.<\/p>\n
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But Leopards have Allan Wanga, who has hit the headlines after a series of excellent displays in the second leg of the season. With 14 goals in all competitions (11 in KPL and three cups), Wanga has shown glimpses of his old self and it\u2019s his movement and positioning that have impressed the most.https:\/\/gormahia.net\/latest\/wp-admin\/post-new.php<\/p>\n
Midfield: Eric Ochieng Vs Peter Opiyo<\/p>\n
Little has been said about Eric Ochieng but the midfielder is undisputedly covering every blade of grass in centrepitch for Gor. His ability to link up the midfield and the strikers has been excellent.<\/p>\n
If he combines well with Joseph Njuguna they are bound to neutralise Leopards\u2019 penetration in through the midfield.<\/p>\n
Leopards, however will utelise the vasatile Peter Opiyo, who has established himself as one of best midfielders in the country and it takes a monumental effort to keep him off the ball. He is invaluable to Leopards.<\/p>\n
Gor will need to be wary of his threat going forward and if given room to dictate the tempo of the game, then his killer and sleek passes will stretch Gor\u2019s back four.<\/p>\n
reflex action has been superb and winning more than five MVP awards shows he\u2019s by far the best and most consistent keeper in the league. The derby is a crucial game and being a Cup final, Gor\u2019s attempts to handle the attack-minded Leopards will rest heavily on Onyango\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n
But Leopards Martin Musalia has been in great form since the arrival of coach James Nandwa in September. In the last 12 competitive matches (9 KPL and 3 GOtv), the keeper has kept nine clean sheets.<\/p>\n
But today\u2019s final could be his real test as he faces Sserenkuma.<\/p>\n
Match tactics \u2014 Where it will be won or lost<\/p>\n
The midfield is where the game will be decided. Whoever controls the centre pitch will win. Gor Mahia mostly prefers a 4-4-2 system of play, while AFC Leopards are likely to deploy a 4-5-1 structure.<\/p>\n