Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic has urged his team to be more aggressive in front of goal ahead of their crucial Mashemeji Derby clash against age-old rivals AFC Leopards.Despite a commanding 3-0 victory over KSG Ogopa in the FKF Cup preliminary round on Sunday at Dandora Stadium, Mihic expressed concerns over his team’s finishing.The FKF Premier League champions eased past the National Division Two side, with goals from Samuel Onyango, Boniface Omondi, and Austin Odhiambo sealing the win.##NAJAVA_MECA_8726799##While pleased with the performance, the Croatian coach emphasized the need for his side to be more clinical.“We enjoyed today. We worked on passing, creativity, and composure in training, and we executed well,” Mihic said in his post-match conference.“We are satisfied with what we saw, but we created many chances and didn’t score as much as we should have. That’s the only downside.”Mihic acknowledged that while the team showed excellent creativity and ball movement, they face a tougher test on Sunday.“Of course, we expect a tougher challenge, especially in Sunday’s game. This was good preparation, not high intensity, but in terms of creativity and possession, it was encouraging. Yes, I’m happy,” he noted.Tunisia coach singles out Harambee Starlets quintet for praise after barren drawWith the match against KSG Ogopa marking Gor Mahia’s third game in seven days, Mihic stressed the importance of managing player energy levels.“For every game, we need to be smart about managing energy. Some players will rest as we start preparing for Leopards. We played this match with courage and ambition, and I believe we will win the next one,” he asserted.Gor is locked in a fierce FKF Premier League title race. Leaders Kenya Police FC sit at the top with 41 points, followed by Tusker with 39.K’Ogalo, currently third with 36 points, missed an opportunity to close the gap last week after a goalless draw with Bidco United, failing to capitalize on Kenya Police’s 1-0 loss to Mathare United.With the Mashemeji Derby being Mihic’s fourth game in charge, it carries immense significance for Gor Mahia’s title ambitions.##NAJAVA_MECA_8725924##In recent years, Gor Mahia has dominated their arch-rivals, with AFC Leopards struggling to keep up. The last six meetings have seen Ingwe manage only one win against K’Ogalo.Last season, Gor Mahia completed a league double over Leopards, winning 2-0 in the first round and 1-0 in the second on their way to securing a record 21st league title.In 2023, the teams played to a goalless draw in the first round before Leopards won the second leg 2-1, ending their 10-match winless run against Gor Mahia.The 2021 campaign saw Gor Mahia claim a 1-0 victory in the first leg before settling for a draw in the return fixture.Musonye, CAF satisfied with progress at Nyayo and Kasarani stadia ahead of CHANIn 2019, Gor Mahia dominated Ingwe, winning 3-1 in the first round before thrashing them 4-1 in the second.As they head into the Sunday 2 March showdown, Gor is enjoying a better season than their rivals. K’Ogalo sits third in the 18-team league table with 35 points from 20 matches, recording 10 wins, five draws, and five losses.##NAJAVA_MECA_8725848##Meanwhile, Leopards is fifth with 34 points, having won nine matches, drawn seven, and lost five.
