Philemon Otieno Warns Gor Mahia of FKF Cup Final Upset if Nairobi United Are Underestimated

Philemon Otieno. Photo || FILE

Philemon Otieno Warns Gor Mahia of FKF Cup Final Upset if Nairobi United Are Underestimated

Abigael Wafula 09:30 - 27.06.2025

Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno has urged his teammates to give their all in the FKF Cup final, viewing it as the club's last chance to salvage their season after missing out on the league title.

Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno is not downplaying Nairobi United ahead of the Football Kenya Federation Cup final scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

The match is crucial for Gor Mahia, who will be looking to heal their wounds after failing to defend their FKF Premier League title, losing out in the battle to Kenya Police FC.

The winners of the FKF Cup final will also get a rare opportunity to represent the country at the Africa Confederation Cup.

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Gor Mahia’s most recent match was against Kenya Police, the final match of the Kenya Premier League at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, where K’Ogalo were held to a 1-1 draw by the Law Enforcers.

On their part, Nairobi United are fresh from winning the National Super League title, but their final match against Naivas saw them lose 3-0.

Philemon Otieno: We Have to Approach the Game Seriously

Gor Mahia vs Nairobi United
Gor Mahia players celebrate during a past fixture.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Philemon Otieno urged the players to give their all in the match since that is their only chance of impressing their fans.

He explained that they are used to winning trophies, and after failing to defend their FKF Premier League title, all the pressure is on them to impress in the FKF Cup final.

Philemon Otieno further noted that Nairobi United are a good opponent, and having reached the final, it means they have more to give.

“Nairobi United are a good team; for them to reach the final, it means they are a good team, and we have to approach the game with the seriousness it deserves,” he revealed in a video shared by Pepeta on X.

“I want to urge our fans to turn up in large numbers, and as the players, we will do all we can to get the positive results.”

He pointed out that the fans had hopes that they would walk away with both titles, but they have since fallen short and will have to make up for that loss.

Philemon Otieno added that the final match is very crucial for the team, and if they fail to make an impact, it will not only affect the fans but also the players.

“The expectation was that we would win both cups, but now that Kenya Police have already won the league, we have to give a good fight come Sunday to make sure that our fans are happy,” he disclosed.

“These games mean a lot to me and my fellow teammates because we are used to becoming champions in every season, and now it’s like it’s our last hope this season. As one of the senior-most players, I have to make sure we push the boys and get the best.”

With the FKF Premier League title already lost, Gor Mahia now sees the FKF Cup final as their last shot at redemption this season.