McKinstry reveals Gor Mahia tactical masterstroke that downed Bandari

© Gor Mahia

FOOTBALL McKinstry reveals Gor Mahia tactical masterstroke that downed Bandari

Kiplagat Sang 12:24 - 13.04.2023

K’Ogalo made it two consecutive wins after the previous victory over Kariobangi Sharks.

Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has revealed a tactical masterstroke that helped them defeat Bandari in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) match.

With Benson Omala’s brace, K’Ogalo managed a 2-1 victory over the Dockers on Thursday at the Mbaraki Sports Club, as the home side denied the visitors a clean sheet through Andrew Juma’s goal.

McKinstry has now revealed he had to tinker with his usual game plan and adopt one that he hoped would give them a win in Mombasa.

"We decided to do something tactically that is different. Obviously, this season, people have known K’Ogalo to be a front-foot press; defending on the type of team," McKinstry told reporters after the match.

"We looked at Bandari, and you know coach Anthony [Kimani] does not teach his team to play long ball football, and we decided and said ‘invite them to play long ball football, and they gladly accepted that invitation’."

Although he is glad that the tactical change helped them win, he admitted that the players struggled to implement the rare tactical demand.

"Tactically, it is not easy for the players because when you are used to playing one way and the coach says, ‘Look, we are going to change and do something completely different in this game’," he added.

"However, they adapted really well and were really disciplined in their shape, and we got the goals. We knew it was not going to be easy to score because the pitch is sloppy and bubbly, probably we had to rely on some set pieces."

The former Rwanda and Uganda national team head coach also noted that K’Ogalo became frustrated towards the end of the game.

"A little bit frustrating in the end, but we dropped too deeply, dropped our line of confrontation, and allowed Bandari to put balls in the box. I think that is the first goal we have conceded from a corner this season. We have to go and look into that.

"It is days like these that will happen in June. It is not easy to come here and pick up the points," the Northern Irishman concluded.

The next game for the Premier League giants is a clash against Posta Rangers.