Why minnows Denmark may have slight advantage against Gor Mahia in cup clash

Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has named two things that may play to the advantage of minnows Denmark FC when the two sides meet in a crunch Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup Round of 32 clash.

K’Ogalo are scheduled to lock horns with the little-known club on Sunday at the Ukunda Show Ground with the match expected to start at 3 pm as the record Kenyan champions seek to complete the double this season.

Speaking ahead of the game, McKinstry noted how the conditions surrounding the game could tilt the scale in Denmak’s favour.

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“We are playing in Ukunda. We know the pitch is extremely dry and that it is extremely hard. It will play into our hosts' advantage a little bit because they are used to those conditions.

We are preparing them (players) as best we can. We have moved to Stima Club which is not in the same condition as our pitch at the Mpesa  Foundation and we are doing all this because we are extremely serious about the game,” he commented.

The 38-year-old further pointed out the high humidity in Kenya’s coastal region as another factor that will make his charges struggle in the vital game. 

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According to McKinstry, the humidity in Ukunda is going to be about 70 percent, something which Gor Mahia players are not used to.

However, despite the challenges, the one-time Uganda Cranes manager stated that they will do everything to proceed to the next round. 

“The cup is an important competition for us. We want to go far in it. We have just spoken to the players now and it is just five games to a trophy, to a large prize and to a continental qualification through that route,” added McKinstry.

The respected coach ended by disclosing that he may give some of his rarely used players a chance to showcase their talents on Sunday.

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“There are some guys who will get an opportunity on Sunday, who haven't played as many minutes recently. They are fully fit, ready to go and have a point to prove,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Denmark FC assistant coach Juma Kalato is confident of a good show from his side against one of the best clubs in East Africa.

“We have prepared so well for Gor, we do respect them as a big club in East Africa but we will give them a run for their money on Sunday. We go into the match as the underdogs but we know that is somehow to our advantage – no pressure at all,” Kalato was quoted by Citizen Digital.

Should Gor Mahia go all the way and win the FKF Cup, they will get a ticket to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup next season. 

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