Courtesy of Gor Mahia Net
 |
| AFC Leopards Vs Gor Mahia |
Despite losing to Tusker, Gor Mahia are upbeat ahead of this
weekend’s crucial derby. Tusker outplayed Kogalo in all facets of the
game. However Logarusic is not bothered.: “We went unbeaten for 21
league matches. We have not lost to AFC Leopards in two years and that
gives us an upper hand in terms of confidence,” said Logarusic to the
Nation.
Only the defence played well against Tusker. The midfield was out of
sorts and teh attack was at sea. A defensive lapse allowed Tusker’s
Robert Omunuk a free header that gave Tusker the winner. However
Logarusic has vowed to correct these mistakes. “It was a freak goal, but
we have learnt a lot from the defeat and we will not make such mistakes
again against AFC Leopards or any other game.
“You also realize that we did not start with our regulars in this
game. Some players were tired and needed some rest so that they are fit
for Sunday. Others like (Anthony) Akumu was just returning from
illness.”, said Logarusic to the Nation.
Injuries
Aside from Raphael Kiongera and Innocent Mutiso who are serving long
term injuries, Gor Mahia will also have to contend with injuries to
Israel Emuge, Rama Salim and Anthony Gathu who picked up a knock against
Tusker.
Moses Otieno upset
Coach Logarusic has moved to explain what went down on the bench in the 23rd
minute when he was forced to make a substitution when Antoiny Gathu
limped off injured. According to michezoafrika.com, Logarusic had told
Moses Otieno to warm up after Gathu limped out. Initially, Moses Otieno
was supposed to have started but Logarusic changed his mind minutes to
the game.
When Logarusic called back Otieno from the warm up area, the
midfielder seemed to be taking his time and the coach was angered, with
the attitude and instead ordered Antony Akumu to change and warm up,
Otieno getting back to his track suit.
“He was emotional because he was supposed to start the match but then
I changed my mind moments to the match. I did this because I saw it had
rained and then I needed a fast player in midfield. When I told him to
come on when Gathu was injured, he took his time and was just not ready
for the match,” Logarusic said after the match against Tusker on
Wednesday evening.
Otieno has not seen much of play time since Logarusic took over and
the latest developments might see him leave K’Ogalo in the June transfer
window. Otieno joined Gor Mahia from Tusker in the June transfer window
of the 2011 season.