Fancied Gor Mahia dumped out by giant slaying regional league side Denmak

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FKF CUP Fancied Gor Mahia dumped out by giant slaying regional league side Denmak

Festus Chuma 18:00 - 25.02.2024

The eleven-time champions entered the match as favorites, considering the quality and experience in their squad, but they were eliminated by the little-known outfit.

Record FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia have been knocked out of the FKF Cup by underdogs Denmak FC Maganyakulo.

The eleven-time champions entered the match as favorites, given the quality and experience of their squad.

However, they were surprised by the Kwale-based side in a match played at Ukunda Showgrounds, losing 5-4 in post-match penalties after the match ended in a goalless draw.

Denmak have now advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face National Super League side SS Assad.

K’Ogalo  started the match slowly with Denmak seeing a lot of the ball in the visitors' half, but coach Mwinyi Kuuza's charges could not create clear-cut chances.

Coach Jonathan McKisntry's side grew into the match gradually, but they were limited to long-range shots. Denmark came close to scoring when Masoud Omari 's fine strike from a free-kick shaved the top of the net.

The best chance of the first half fell for Chris Ochieng, but the K’Ogalo striker failed to beat goalkeeper Don from close range and the score was 0-0 during the halftime break.

Gor Mahia were the better start after the restart with Kevin Juma forcing Don into a save before the goalkeeper gathered a dangerous curling cross from Bryson Wangai.

The visitors were forced to make a change due to the tough playing surface, which resulted in Emery Bayisenge being stretchered off with an injury, with Sidney Wahongo coming in as a replacement.

Denmak’s ability to carve out chances, as they did in the first half, dried up in the second, with Gor Mahia closing the space between their lines and allowing their opponents less time on the ball.

The hosts themselves looked to offer a different challenge to K’Ogalo when they introduced the likes of Mwinyi in midfield and Babu in attack, but they also struggled to find a way past the defence.

Denmak did have one notable heart-stopping moment at the back when a mix-up almost gifted Gor Mahia an opening in the 80th minute, but Chaine recovered well to clear the danger.

Neither of the two sides could get a goal in the regular time, prompting the match to be decided by penalties.

How they lined up:

Gor Mahia: Caleb Otieno, Paul Ochuoga, Philemon Otieno, Emery Bayisenge, Silvester Owino, Boniface Omondi, Kevin Juma, Christopher Ochieng, Bryson Wangai, Wendo Ernest, John Macharia

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