The Belgian coach insists that the magnitude of the Ingo Derby is bigger than the win over sworn rivals Gor Mahia.
AFC Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems insists his side must not get carried away by the win over Gor Mahia and must focus their attention on beating Kakamega Homeboyz in the FKF Cup semi-final on Saturday.
Leopards ended their seven-year wait for a win against Gor Mahia, but Aussems insists that the result is “history” and all focus must be aimed at beating Homeboyz.
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“When you win against any team, it is always a pleasure,” he said. “Now it happened days ago and it is a distant memory but we are now focused on the semi-finals,” he added.
“Our games against Ulinzi, Nzoia and Gor were about focusing on the semi-final. This semi-final gives us the chance to qualify for the final of the cup, win it, and then qualify for continental competition.
“We have nothing to play for in the league anymore. It is a do-or-die for us because it is a cup competition.”
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Odhiambo returned from a grueling injury to help Leopards beat Gor Mahia for the first time in seven years.
AFC Leopards’ only realistic chance of qualifying for continental football next season is by winning the FKF Cup. Their hopes of winning a league title for the first time since 1998 are impossible this season as they languish seventh on the log standings.
“We are 180 minutes away from winning this trophy but we need to focus all our attention on Kakamega Homeboyz because it will be a tough game where everyone wants to go to the final.”
The former Simba tactician has been given time at the Den to instill a playing identity that has wowed fans and neutrals alike. However, inconsistency has cost them dear this season due to many factors including injuries.
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However, every player barring center-back Tedian Esilaba is available to Aussems, which will now give him options and allow his playing style to be effective in producing results.
“I do not focus a lot on my opponents. I just focus on my team. I prefer my opponents to adapt against my team rather than my team adapting to the opponents.”
Leopards will face Kakamega Homeboyz on Saturday at 3:00 PM at the Nyayo National Stadium just hours after Tusker’s match against Ulinzi Stars.