NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 4 – Gor Mahia tactician Jonathan McKinstry admits they have themselves to blame after succumbing to a 1-0 loss to Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) in an afternoon league tie at the Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday.
Kennedy Owino struck in the 60th minute, latching on to a headed cross to slot past Gad Matthews in K’Ogalo’s goal, which effectively confirmed the North Irishman’s worst fears before the match.
“I said to the players before the game, in the dressing room, that the only way we would lose is if we gave up a silly chance. And, we gave up a silly chance and lost the game. We only have ourselves to blame but we have to go back and work on converting the chances we create,” McKinstry said.
Gor were guilty of missing several chances, including a side-netting by left-back Geoffrey Ochieng in the first half after a threaded pass from attacking midfielder John Macharia.
Macharia himself squandered a golden opportunity to put the record champions in the front seat when he half volleyed weakly into the arms of Byrne Omondi in the bankers’ goal.
They were made to pay for their wastefulness when a diagonal cross from the right was headed into the path of Owino who quickly guided the ball into the bottom right corner, past an onrushing Matthews.
K’Ogalo subsequently camped in their opponents’ half in search of an equalizer but were unable to break the bankers’ vault with centreback Dennis Nganga’s effort being cleared off the line in the dying embers of the tie.
McKinstry lauded KCB for their defensive resoluteness but noted that the dominant performance of his charges is a positive to pick on as they prepare for their next duel.
“They had one good chance and they took it. Even from our side it was a bit soft…we need to do better on the second balls. We created a lot of chances today, even right at the end. When you don’t convert your chances, you leave yourself open to a sucker punch,” the former Rwandese national team coach said.
He added: “That (the goal) was their one big chance and they took it. They defended very well and cleared their lines and congratulations to them. It is as simple as taking your chances and converting and if you don’t there’s always the risk you are going to get hurt.”
Just another match
His opposite in the dugout, Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno echoed McKinstry’s comments, pointing out that his sole intention was to come to Nyayo and leave with maximum points.
“When you say they (Gor) dominated us, I don’t get it because you only win when you score goals and defend very well – not by keeping the ball. That’s what we did…my players did very well today and I am very happy we won,” the former K’Ogalo fullback said.
Zico, however, pointed out that the eight-day break during the festive season has somewhat affected the mindset and physical preparedness of players from both sides.
“It has really affected the rhythm of the players and that is why both teams were struggling. Going forward, the rhythm is there and we will do everything right,” he said.
