Gor Mahia secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Mathare United in the FKF Premier League, but new head coach Sinisa Mihic was far from satisfied. Despite marking his first win in charge of the club, the Croatian tactician pinpointed several areas where his team fell short. As Mihic seeks to implement his philosophy, Gor Mahia fans can expect tactical adjustments ahead of their upcoming clash with Tusker FC.
A Comeback Victory That Left Mihic Unsatisfied
On Saturday, February 8, Gor Mahia battled past Mathare United in a dramatic contest. The match saw Mathare take an early lead through an Elli Asieche header, forcing K’Ogalo to respond under pressure. Alphonce Omija restored parity in the 35th minute before Erick Morrison sealed the win from the penalty spot in the 76th minute.
Despite the victory, Mihic was not entirely pleased. His primary concern revolved around the team’s tendency to invite pressure, something they had trained to avoid.
“I am not satisfied with certain tactical aspects, like how to release pressure. We allowed them into our half and conceded a goal from it. We trained on this—we must press and play higher up the pitch to ease the pressure on our defense, and I hope we will improve,” Mihic stated in an interview with Azam Sports.
Tactical Concerns: High Pressing and Direct Play
Mihic’s dissatisfaction extended beyond just defensive lapses. The coach is looking for a more aggressive approach in the attacking third. He criticized the team’s build-up play, emphasizing the need for a more direct style instead of excessive passing in the midfield.
“I want more direct, offensive football. We don’t need to play many passes in the middle because it takes too long to control the ball, and you risk losing it. We need to play more in the attacking third,” he stated.
His preference for high pressing and rapid transitions suggests that Gor Mahia may adopt a more attack-heavy style in the coming games. The adjustment could be crucial as they look to close the gap on FKF Premier League leaders Kenya Police.
ALSO READ:https://jambobet.co.ke/en/Play/Fun/JetX-Smart-Soft-Casino
Gor Mahia’s Current League Standings and the Road Ahead
Following the win, Gor Mahia now sit third in the FKF Premier League standings with 34 points. They are four points behind league leaders Kenya Police but have a game in hand, providing them with an opportunity to narrow the gap.
Their next fixture is a tough encounter against second-placed Tusker FC on Wednesday, February 19. The match will be a key test of Mihic’s tactical approach, as he aims to refine his squad’s playing style while maintaining a winning mentality.
What Needs to Change?
For Gor Mahia to thrive under Mihic, several tactical adjustments will be necessary:
- Higher Pressing: The team must maintain pressure higher up the pitch to prevent opponents from gaining momentum.
- More Direct Play: Reducing excessive passing in midfield and transitioning quickly to attack will improve efficiency in the final third.
- Defensive Solidity: Avoiding lapses that invite unnecessary pressure will be crucial, especially against top-tier opposition.
- Squad Adaptation: Players must quickly adapt to Mihic’s philosophy to ensure seamless execution on matchdays.
A Promising but Demanding Start
While Mihic’s tenure at Gor Mahia has begun with a win, his high standards indicate that further improvements are necessary. The upcoming match against Tusker FC will serve as a vital indicator of whether the team is progressing under his guidance. If K’Ogalo can implement his tactical vision effectively, they may soon find themselves in serious title contention.
As the FKF Premier League season unfolds, Gor Mahia fans will be eager to see whether Mihic’s tough-love approach yields the desired results. With a game in hand and the ambition to reclaim the league crown, the journey ahead promises excitement, tension, and, potentially, glory for K’Ogalo.
