Akhulia and Bidco seek another Cup masterclass to upset Gor Mahia

Bidco United continue to punch above their weight, first in the league and now in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup where they will play Gor Mahia on Sunday at Utalii Grounds starting 3:30 PM.

Gor Mahia, on the other hand, have continued their resurgence and will also want to extend a winning run they have clung to since the resumption of football in mid-May.

This year's edition of the FKF Cup presents a glorious opportunity for Gor Mahia to win the trophy that has eluded them since 2012.

For Bidco United, winning a trophy in their maiden top-tier season will be top of their priority, it will see them stamp authority on their presence in the top-flight.

The encounter will see two tactically astute teams battle it out for a slot in the final, with both teams having a compact engine room but Gor Mahia bolstering that with a 5-man defence.

Both teams had almost an identical style of play in the quarterfinal, allowing their opponent much of the ball outside the danger area but shutting out any lethal attack before it progressed.

When Mozzart Sport asked Gor Mahia's assistant whether he thinks this could be the year to break the 8-year duck, Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo said that it was not yet time to talk about that having in mind that Bidco will be a tough opponent.

"Not yet. We cannot talk about the cup yet, we have to look at the game against Bidco. They are a tough opponent and it will be a good challenge but we will give out best," said Pamzo.

If the match goes to penalties, Gor Mahia know that they have a wild card in Gad Matthews. The former Kariobangi Sharks custodian is not only good at saving penalties, but also a good kicker as he scored against Gor Mahia in 2018.

While at Sharks, Gad saved four penalties; two against Bungoma Super Stars and two against Gor Mahia in the 2018 cup quarterfinal. At Gor he has saved two; against Rwanda's APR and recently against Kariobangi Sharks in the quarterfinal.

Ignoring David Kalama's corner kicks delivery will be perilous for Gor Mahia, the advantage for them being the height they have in their defence in Harun Shakava, and Frank Odhiambo. Kalama has been on corner kicks duties for the newbies and has executed that role perfectly. He is Bidco's top assist provider in the league with six.

Peter Nzuki has been phenomenal for Bidco since joining them from Tusker where he had been turned into a fringe player. His calmness on the ball and the ability to play a defence-splitting pass is something that Gor Mahia should not undermine at all costs. Together with Stephen Waruru they have offered Bidco the much-needed experience.

Nzuki has issued a rallying call to his teammates, saying they have not come all the way to lose when it matters most.

"We haven’t come from the Round of 64 to lose when it matters most. The players are aware that we have two matches remaining to make history. Between us and sealing a place in continental matches are two matches which we should win by all means regardless of the quality of the opponent.

"We have no mathematical chance to win the Champions League ticket, and thus the two matches require each player to rise to the occasion, " he said.

Bidco should be wary of Karim Abdoul's cheeky runs behind the defence. To score the opener against Sharks, the Burkinabe made such runs on the right-wing, and continued the same in the second half, having two other opportunities.

Gor Mahia's midfield sensation Kenneth Muguna was not as lively in the quarterfinal, and that is something that should worry Bidco because when he bounces back, he does so with so much class.

Who will it be?