Gor Mahia will welcome USM Alger for their second CAF Confederation Cup, Group D match this evening at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
K’Ogalo are in a must-win situation against the Algerian side who are perched at the top of the group after thrashing Tanzanian club Yanga 4-0 in a match that was played on May 6 in Algiers.
The Kenyan champions sit second on the table with one point following their 1-1 tie against Rayon Sports of Rwanda in their opening group encounter that was played on the same day away in Kigali.
Gor Mahia captain Haron Shakava has admitted his side will face a tough task against their opponents who are regulars at Caf competitions.
“It will be a tough match but as a team, we will set the mood and push ourselves to at least get good results to keep us going in the group. It will not be an easy encounter because they are a good side but we believe in ourselves and we will stage a good show as a team to get a good result,” Shakava said.
As part of the preparations for tonight’s fixture, Gor played Hull City in an international friendly on May 13th as a preparation for the continental duty in a match that ended 0-0 but Hull won 4-3 in post-match penalties.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“We have been playing many matches which have made it easy to approach big games… we are at home and as a team, we need to play as a unit because they are a good team and to achieve the best, we must be solid,”[/perfectpullquote]
Shakava added.
Gor will be missing the services of their key talisman Meddie Kagere, who is suspended for the match after collecting two yellow cards in the competition.
During a pre-match conference coach Dylan Kerr declared that, Gor Mahia are ready for the battle though he will have to change his style of play to fit with the available players.
“With the absence of Meddie, we have to change our system of play to make Tuyisenge and Guikan be able to work as desired. l believe in my players… this is a great chance for other players as well and l will work with the available squad, ”said Kerr.
The Algerian side landed Monday morning after a 10-hour flight and immediately held their first training at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies under the supervision of their technical bench led by Coach Miloud Hamdi.
Speaking to journalists after their second training session yesterday, Hamdi remained optimistic that his side will grab maximum points, but he was quick to note that the road to the quarterfinals was still open and any of the four teams could make it.
“Every team has six matches to play; we have played only one, which leaves us with five to go and therefore, it’s still too early to call. At this stage, any team can make it and we are here in Nairobi to try and get a positive result.”
He admitted that Gor Mahia’s local record remained impressive and thus he expected a tough match.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“They have not lost at home and are currently at the top of the league. We expect a tough match from them, but we are ready.”[/perfectpullquote]
The game which will kick-off under floodlights at 7PM East African Time, will be of historical significance to the Kenyan side as it will be the first time a Confederation Cup group match will be staged on Kenyan soil.
Featured Photo: USM Alger players celebrating during a past match
