Gor Mahia kept their continental hopes alive after edging Murang’a Seal 5-4 on post-match penalties to punch a ticket to the final of the Mozzart Bet Cup following a 2-2 draw in regular time.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsK’Ogalo, who came into the fixture having recently sacked head coach Sinisa Mihic, had to rally from behind in the second half. Alpha Onyango’s goal, which had given them the lead, was cancelled out by substitute Wilson Kamau in the 72nd minute.It was a highly tactical encounter, with both managers demonstrating their strategic acumen by masterminding comebacks after trailing. Ultimately, Gor Mahia held their nerve in the penalty shootout to secure the win.MPs finger government over Ksh3.9 billion 2027 AFCON feesWith Mihic gone, interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno opted to switch from a 3-5-2 to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Gad Mathews started in goal, protected by a back four of Philemon Otieno, Geoffrey Ochieng, Alphonce Omija, and Joshua Onyango. Alpha Onyango and Lawrence Juma anchored the midfield, while Austin Odhiambo operated as the creative hub. Shariff Musa and Ben Stanley Omondi played on the wings, with Benson Omalla leading the line.Murang’a Seal’s Yusuf Chipo mirrored the formation, fielding Wilson Mwangi in goal behind a defense of Humphrey Obina, Joseph Omondi, Dennis Munyovi, and Robert Mudenyu. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8947835##Yusuf Ali and David Wafula held the midfield base, while Michael Owen orchestrated play. Lucas Maina and Joe Waithira took up positions on the flanks, supporting striker John Kiplangat.Despite the mirrored setups, the teams employed distinct tactical strategies. Gor Mahia looked to penetrate Murang’a Seal’s compact structure by funnelling play through Austin Odhiambo, their chief creative outlet.Ben Stanley also played a key role in this approach. Though deployed as a winger, his natural tendency as an attacking midfielder saw him drift centrally, helping create overloads in midfield to maintain possession.Dan Shikanda pinpoints major issue hindering progress at AFC LeopardsHowever, this plan met stiff resistance. Chipo’s side defended in a deep, disciplined block and looked to hit on the counter. Yusuf and Wafula, operating as a double pivot, kept Odhiambo tightly marked, effectively nullifying his influence.Fullbacks Obina and Omondi tracked Shariff Musa and Ben Stanley in man-to-man duels, steering them away from dangerous areas.Murang’a Seal’s opening goal exemplified their tactical clarity. After claiming a cross, Mwangi launched a long ball into the right channel. Joshua Onyango misread it, allowing Kiplangat to pounce. The striker delivered a low cross into the area, where Owen, after a first attempt, scored on the rebound.##NAJAVA_MECA_8947836##Murang’a Seal defended resolutely and carried their 1-0 lead into halftime.After the break, Gor Mahia made changes both in personnel and approach that shifted the game’s momentum. Bryson Wangai replaced Ben Stanley in a tactical switch.More direct and better in one-on-one situations, Wangai provided attacking thrust that complemented Shariff Musa’s play on the opposite flank.Sports CS responds to reports of Kenya being unprepared to host CHANWith Wangai on, Murang’a Seal found it harder to stay compact. His ability to stretch the defense opened up gaps for Gor Mahia’s midfielders. Additionally, K’Ogalo adjusted by playing early crosses and taking more shots from distance to counter the low block.This strategic shift paid off early in the second half. Philemon Otieno whipped in an early cross that Wangai expertly headed in to level the score. Buoyed by the equaliser, Gor Mahia kept the pressure on and struck again just seven minutes later.With Murang’a Seal’s defense stretched and midfield scrambling to recover, Alpha Onyango found space at the edge of the box and curled a brilliant effort into the top right corner.##NAJAVA_MECA_8947837##Murang’a Seal stayed composed and responded with changes of their own. Chipo substituted Maina and Waithira for Harun Mwale and Victor Haki, injecting energy into wide areas to exploit a tiring Gor Mahia defense.His boldest move came in the 66th minute when he withdrew defender Humphrey Obina for attacker Wilson Kamau.In response, Mwale slotted in at left back while Joseph Omondi moved to right back. Kamau joined the attack, and Chippo simultaneously restructured his team defensively to deal with Gor Mahia’s wide threat.Harambee Stars duo miss Sunday action in EuropeOut of possession, Wafula dropped into the back line, forming a temporary back 5 alongside Omondi, Mudenyu, Mwale and Munyovi in a defensive 5-3-2 shape. This not only bolstered the defense but also gave Kiplangat support up front in Kamau.The change bore fruit six minutes later. Kamau capitalised on a loose ball at the far post following a long throw-in, heading in the equaliser to level the match at 2-2. Murang’a Seal held firm to force penalties, where Mwale’s miss proved decisive.Gor Mahia will now face the winner between Mara Sugar and Nairobi United in the Mozzart Bet Cup final, with a coveted CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round spot on the line.
