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Gor Mahia secured a victory over Nairobi City Stars with key player Patrick Sibomana benched.
Gor Mahia approached the Saturday face-off against Nairobi City Stars in the FKF Premier League at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos without their key attacker, Patrick Sibomana, in the starting lineup, sparking curiosity among fans and analysts alike.
The decision came as a surprise to many, considering Sibomana's pivotal role in the team's attacking front.
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However, the reigning champions managed to secure a 1-0 victory, extending their lead at the top of the table to eight points, thanks to Benson Omalla's early goal.
Sibomana, known for his agility and sharp attacking prowess, was conspicuously named on the bench and did not feature in the game.
This move by coach Jonathan McKinstry raised questions about the tactical adjustments and the reasons behind Sibomana's omission from the starting eleven.
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It turns out that Sibomana's absence from the starting lineup was not a last-minute tactical switch but a carefully considered decision influenced by the player's fitness concerns.
"Sibomana is undergoing double sessions to strengthen his hamstring," McKinstry revealed in a statement to Gor Mahia TV.
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The Rwandan international was substituted off during Gor Mahia's goalless draw against Ulinzi Stars the previous weekend, with Omalla stepping in to fill his shoes.
This substitution was not merely a tactical change but a necessity due to Sibomana's hamstring issues.
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McKinstry's decision to bench Sibomana against Nairobi City Stars was a precautionary measure to avoid aggravating the player's injury, with a keen eye on his full recovery for the upcoming FKF Cup.
The match against City Stars marked a critical juncture in the season for Gor Mahia, as they faced off against the second-placed team in a bid to solidify their lead in the league.
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Despite Sibomana's absence, Gor Mahia's performance was testament to the team's depth and the strategic foresight of their coaching staff.
Omalla's lone goal in the fifth minute of the opening half was a result of the team's ability to adapt and excel even without one of its key players.
This encounter, the 31th in the Kenyan top-flight between City Stars and Gor Mahia since the 2005/06 Premier League season, was not just another league match but a statement of intent from Gor Mahia.
Looking ahead, Gor Mahia faces a challenging schedule, with upcoming fixtures against Posta Rangers, Bandari, and Kakamega Homeboyz
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