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With Gor Mahia’s leading marksman Benson Omala ditching the club for Lebanese outfit Al-Safa FC, who are the players that will be required to fill his big shoes?
Gor Mahia finally confirmed the departure of top striker Benson Omala who has joined Lebanese outfit Al-Safa FC.
The departure came six months after Omala saw a short-term loan deal to Algerian club JS Saoura fall through early in February over late submission of his transfer documents.
His exit is a major blow for K’Ogalo as he was not just their leading scorer but also the league’s top marksman, having won the Golden Boot last season after bagging 19 goals.
Omala also scored a record equaling 26 goals in 2022-23 as he led Gor Mahia to a record-extending 20th league title and without him, their title charge in will be greatly affected.
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09:00 - 13.08.2024
Benson Omala ditches Gor Mahia for Middle East riches
Omala has officially been unveiled as a new signing by Lebanese outfit Al Safa SC.
The striker’s movement in and around the box has helped create space for others to score while his ability to press and win possession higher up the pitch also added to his work rate.
However, it is his goals that Gor Mahia will find hard to replace which begs the question, who are the men to step up following Omala’s departure.
Gedeon Bendeka
Perhaps with an exit of Omala in mind, Gor Mahia moved with speed to seal the deal for the Congolese striker from Rwandese club Etincelles FC.
Kenyan fans are still not familiar with Bendeka’s game but will hope that Gor Mahia scouts did their homework well before settling on him.
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15:28 - 23.07.2024
Simiti out, Austin Odhiambo gone? How Gor Mahia will likely line up with their new signings
Gor Mahia have completed most of their transfer business and ahead of their CAF Champions League assignment, Pulse Sports looks at how their first XI will likely look like.
Bendeka scored 13 goals for Etincelles FC last season to finish third on the goal scorer’s chart but much more will be needed to fill the big boots of Omala.
New coach Leonardo Neiva has been trying him out in training and friendly games, the latest being the clash against Fountain Gate of Tanzania.
Chris Ochieng
One of the strikers at the club that was playing second fiddle to Omala, Ochieng has been auditioning for the role but with three goals last seen, he will need to improve to be trusted to lead the line.
Former coach Johnathan McKinstry had on few occasions started with Ochieng with the leading scorer on the bench or even fielded both of them in the starting XI.
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17:15 - 14.08.2024
Gor Mahia set date for AGM as proposal to change club’s ownership model tops agenda
K’Ogalo have scheduled the club’s highly-awaited AGM next month with key issues to be discussed among them changing how the cub is owned, financial report and elections.
With his physical presence, good hold-up play plus an ability to strike the ball powerfully, Ochieng is the only forward in the K’Ogalo ranks whose attributes come close to Omala’s although his low goal return does not bode well.
Mark Shaban
Still just 17, it might be too early to throw the new signing into the deep end but the forward will likely play a key role for Gor Mahia now that goals will be needed from everyone.
Shaban snubbed AFC Leopards for Gor Mahia in the midseason transfer window and while the initial plan would have been to integrate him slowly into the side, Omala’s departure might hasten the process for the Green Commandos product.
Shariff Musa
Though not an out-and-out striker like the aforementioned, the January signing will now have an increased role in the team following Omala’s departure.
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19:42 - 06.07.2024
How Dan Dan Sserunkuma and Khalid Aucho motivated Chris Pius Akena to join Gor Mahia
New Gor Mahia star Akena has explained how fellow Ugandan players Khalid Aucho and Dan Sserenkuma inspired him into joining Gor Mahia.
The former Bidco United winger is known for his blistering pace and trickery down the flanks but he also adds goals and assists to the team.
He had already scored three for Bidco before he joined Gor Mahia, for who he scored one goal for, and next season will really test his mettle. Musa will be required to contribute goals to the team while also setting up team-mates now that everyone will be needed to step up to the plate in the wake of Omala’s exit.
Austin Odhiambo
The attacking midfielder proved his worth for Gor Mahia again last season with 11 goals and a number of assists and could be key again if he does not leave the club.
Odhimabo should have left Gor Mahia before Omala but a proposed move to Belgium has taken longer than expected and he is back in training ahead of this weekend’s CAF Champions League clash.
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06:15 - 15.08.2024
Austin Odhiambo returns to Gor Mahia as move to Belgium reportedly stalls
Harambee Stars' Austin Odhiambo returns to Gor Mahia training amid transfer speculations, boosting team's CAF Champions League preparations.
He was the go-to man when Omala was not scoring and that will be needed even more now that the striker is gone. That is of course if he is not ditching the green of Gor Mahia for paid ranks abroad.
Whether striking from distance, close range or curling in brilliant freekicks, Odhiambo produced moments of quality for Gor Mahia as they stormed to yet another league title.
How they will pray that he does not leave!
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