McKinstry: How Homeboyz' defeat will help Gor Mahia win Premier League title

Photo Credit: Johnathan McKinstry

FOOTBALL McKinstry: How Homeboyz' defeat will help Gor Mahia win Premier League title

Kiplagat Sang • 15:30 - 03.04.2023

The local giants will shift focus to the league after exiting the FKF Cup tournament.

Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has emphasized they will assess their weaknesses exposed during the 2023 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup to win the Premier League.

K’Ogalo were eliminated from the tournament by Kakamega Homeboyz after they conceded a 1-0 loss in the Round of 16 on Sunday.

McKinstry said they are disappointed, but an evaluation of their weaknesses will follow. This evaluation, according to the former Uganda Cranes head coach, will be key in their pursuit of the league title.

"We had a big chance, but Farouk Shikhalo [Homeboyz goalkeeper] made a big save," McKinstry told the media.

"Our focus is on the Sofapaka match, and though we are disappointed, we will evaluate ourselves and use this performance to work on weak areas and win the league."

Gor Mahia are leading in the title race with 45 points from 21 games and will expect stiff competition from second-placed Tusker – the reigning champions with 39 points from 20 games – and AFC Leopards, who are third.

Both Tusker and Leopards progressed to the quarter-finals of the FKF Cup.

Meanwhile, Homeboyz’s head coach, Patrick Odhiambo, said they more than earned the win over K’Ogalo.

"We deserved to beat Gor Mahia, and I'm happy that we have progressed to the quarters," the former Gor Mahia assistant coach said.

"We dominated the game and missed chances, but I'm happy that we have qualified for the quarterfinals and will prepare for it."