Oktay Confident Gor Are On The Right Path Despite Mathare Stalemate

NAIROBI, Kenya- Gor Mahia FC coach Hassan Oktay expressed disappointment in his forwards for failing to capitalize on the chances created in the 1-1 draw against Mathare United FC but maintained his side are on the right path.

The league leaders equalized early in the second half through a Kevin Kimani penalty after Jacques Tuyisenge had put Gor in the lead in the 33rd minute, also from the spot.

Turkish tactician opted to start with Tuyisenge and new signing Nicholas Kipkirui up front despite constant screams from the K’Ogalo faithful to bring on veteran Dennis Oliech throughout the first half.

“We created many chances but we were unable to make the most of them, Mathare got lucky,” Oktay told .

“I was very upset with my strikers for failing to finish all the chances we created but I believe with time it will get better, there is still time to work on it,” he added.

The game lacked chances on goal early in the first half but it gained momentum as the record league champions found their groove, with Francis Kahata turning on the creative heat in midfield.

The inclusion of Lawrence Juma to the starting line-up also seemed to be a good decision as the midfielder proved to be a constant threat for the visitors.

Juma was brought down in the penalty area, the referee pointing to the spot with Tuyisenge making no mistake and giving Gor a 1-0 half-time lead.

“I consider today as a bad show because we dropped two points. We dominated both halves but it’s our fault that it ended in a draw,” Oktay underlined.

“We cannot afford to lose or draw any of the upcoming games. We need to fix the problems we have in the team before we can talk about retaining the title.

Gor Mahia face Posta Rangers FC at the Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday at 3PM.

The weekend result left them in eighth with seven points from the five games they have played. A victory against Rangers will see them climb into the SPL top five.

“I am pleased with the football we have been playing, beautiful passes and creating chances. We are on the right track,” Oktay stated.

Oliech inclusion

A moment in history came with slightly over 20 minutes left to play when the crowd went into a frenzy as Harambee Stars record goal scorer Dennis Oliech was brought on to replace Kipkirui.

The former Mathare United player was making a return to Kenya’s top flight after a 15-year absence and it was clear that the entire football fraternity was pleased to have him back.

Oliech made an instant impact as he set up Kahata, who’s shot went straight into Allan Owiny’s hands in the Mathare goal.

Oliech had two more chances to score but was unlucky not to find the back of the net, but his work rate and determination told the tale of just how important the signing will be for Gor this season.

“His fitness is our main concern right now and we are working to improve it before he can be able to start league games.

“His experience is key to building morale in the young players and guide them, this will play a key role for Gor this season,” Oktay concluded.

His opposite number Francis Kimanzi accepted that they were on the back foot for most of the encounter but maintained that it was a fair result.

“Despite Gor creating more chances than we did, I think the final result was fair enough. It was an entertaining game of football.

“The boys deserve the draw, they played well and we remain at the top of the table which is a plus for us,” Kimanzi underscored.

Mathare remain at the helm of the SPL table with 14 points, only ahead of second Western Stima FC on goal difference, with Robert Matano's Tusker in third.

 “I haven’t changed my squad in the last three games and I believe we are almost there, we are close to finding and maintaining the form that we need to challenge for the title,” he stated.