NAIROBI, Kenya, September 4- Gor-Mahia host a wounded Ulinzi Stars in a Tusker Premier League (TPL) clash on Wednesday in their first clash since their bruising Top 8 final last month.
On that occasion, K’Ogalo triumphed 2-0 in extra-time with the military men fiercely contesting both strikes as Gor dethroned Ulinzi as the knock-out tournament champion.
Gor captain Jerry Onyango told Capital Sport on Tuesday that their march to the league title will be boosted by victory against the soldiers who surrendered their Top 8 crown amid hue and cry at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani last month.
“We know during our last encounter, Ulinzi felt aggrieved after the final result and will be coming back much stronger but we still believe we deserved the win.
“Even before that final, we were enjoying a fine run in the league, which we intend to maintain since victory will bring us much closer to the leaders,” said Onyango who was named man of the match during the incident packed decider.
K’Ogalo are on song in the league and have risen to fifth, a place above Ulinzi on goal difference on 37 points a piece with coach Zradvko Logarusic stating they are still on the running for their first domestic title since 1995.
“We have greatly cut back on the points between us and the leaders since I joined the club which has seen us pick at least 32 from our last 12.
“However we can only continue winning and hope that the front runners slip to have a realistic chance at clinching the title,” asserted Logarusic.
Onyango reckoned the battle for the crown will shape up towards the end of the month once the top teams have played against each other with titleholders Tusker hosting leaders AFC Leopards on Friday.
“For now, we will seek to register wins in every game since you never know what opportunity the results will present to us,” the custodian added.
Logarusic who took over the club midway through the term said winning the Top 8 was a great triumph for the team and have turned focus on clinching the remaining crowns, the TPL and President’s Cup.
“It was nice to win; we now have taken one of the titles and have the top five clubs competing for the remaining two.
“We are going to keep fighting and push for both although I must admit competition between these clubs is getting stiff going into the last few fixtures,” he affirmed.
The tactician was of the view they have an edge over their opponents with several players netting goals.
“We are dangerous from our attack in all areas with the different scorers which has made us stronger than other teams despite all the fatigue.
“Ulinzi are a good side gauging from their results in the league but we will try to match their organised play on the pitch and pick the three points,” he added.
Gor come into the tie with a hard fought slim 1-0 win over a battling Oserian in their last league match watched by new Harambee Stars Henri Michel, while Ulinzi lost by a similar margin away to Chemelil on Saturday.
