Gor Mahia, Posta clash in midweek tie

Posta Rangers coach John Kamau gestures during a training session on January 8, 2019 at Jamhuri Park, Nairobi. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • This will be the 13th meeting between the two sides. Previously, Gor has emerged winners on seven occasions, while four of the matches have ended in a draw.
  • Gor, who’ve kept two clean sheets this term, did the double over Posta last season including a 5-0 thrashing on June 26 in Kisumu.
  • Kamau, who took over from Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo a fortnight ago, is hopeful that they can add to Gor's woes.

Champions Gor Mahia host Posta Rangers in a midweek SportPesa Premier League encounter at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Wednesday afternoon from 4pm.

This fixture was initially set for December 26, but was pushed forward to allow Gor enough time to rest after a long trip from Nigeria to honour their Caf Champions League first round second leg against Lobi Stars.

Tickets retail at Sh500 VIP and Sh200 terraces and will go on sale at Kenya Cinema, Safari Park roundabout, Gates 2 and 12, Roysambu and Ngomongo police station.

Gor head into this match after surrendering a 1-0 lead to draw with leaders Mathare United 1-1 at the same venue last Sunday.

Posta handed John Kamau his first win as the head coach with a shock 1-0 result away to Kakamega Homeboyz on Sunday.

One point separates the two sides with Gor ranked eighth, five places above 14th placed Posta Rangers after five rounds.

“We cannot make any effort of dropping or losing points anymore,” warned Gor coach Hassan Oktay, who has taken charge of eight competitive games, winning three, losing four and drawing one.

“Every game is teaching us something, though I am happy with the tempo and attractive football we are playing. We need to be sharp in front of goal and results will come,” added the 42-year-old Turkish-Cypriot, whose charges have scored eight and conceded half of the goals.

This will be the 13th meeting between the two sides. Previously, Gor has emerged winners on seven occasions, while four of the matches have ended in a draw.

Gor, who’ve kept two clean sheets this term, did the double over Posta last season including a 5-0 thrashing on June 26 in Kisumu.

Kamau, who took over from Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo a fortnight ago, is hopeful that they can add to Gor's woes.

“The good thing is that we’ve a foundation that we are building the team from. The weekend win has given us self belief and the more we win, the more motivated we become,” the former Thika United and Kenya Commercial Bank coach told Nation Sport on Tuesday.

Oktay is likely to hand legendary striker Dennis “The Menace” Oliech his second appearance in green shirt after impressing on his debut against Mathare United on Sunday.

“I remember when I was 17 years I could make substitute appearances so I hope very soon I will be in the starting up," hinted Oliech.

Kamau will bank on youthful Ken Mutembei, who scored the all-important goal against Homeboyz, as well as former Tusker duo Danson Kago and Brian Osumba.