Gor Mahia - Homeboyz Preview: Chance for K'ogalo to bounce to winning ways

Gor Mahia suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Western Stima last weekend and coach Ze Maria knows well that his side cannot afford more slip-ups this early or else they will risk missing out on the silverware.

Homeboyz are unbeaten in ten league outings, the last defeat coming way back in late August, a 1-0 away to Tusker. This season, the Mike Mururi led side have played three matches, winning one and drawing two.

This is going to be the fifth meeting between the two sides, K'Ogalo winning two of the initial meetings, while the other two ended in draws. Gor Mahia have scored in all but one match, with their opponents failing to score in all the initial matches but one.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Gor Mahia: Karim Nizigiyimana and Godfrey Walusimbi will be relied on to supply crosses for the forwards as Gor Mahia aim to get goals. But they will also be expected to effectively carry out their defensive duties. After missing out several scoring opportunities, Timothy Otieno needs to get back his scoring boots and he should unleash them against Kakamega Homeboyz, though Jean Baptiste Muginareza is reportedly fit.

Kakamega Homeboyz: 2016 KPL Golden Boot first runners up Wycliffe Ochomo is determined to prove his quality, but he has to try and impress against worthy opponents in Gor Mahia. Captain Ali Bhai made a return last weekend against Posta Rangers and had a decent game. Against Gor Mahia, he will definitely be a thorn and he should not be let loose.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS: Gor Mahia: Boniface Oluoch, Josh Onyango, Karim Nizigiyimana, Musa Mohammed, Haron Shakava, Godfrey Walusimbi, Ernest Wendo, Kenneth Muguna, Francis Kahata, Jean Baptiste and Jacques Tuyisenge.

Kakamega Homeboyz: Michael Wanyika, Athman Buki, Eric Ambunya, Charles Momanyi, Moses Chikati, Festo Umokoto, Stephen Wakhanya, Ali Bhai, Moses Mudavadi, Ochomo Wycliffe and Meshack Karani.