Gor Mahia coach Steve Polack is optimistic that his side can beat Congo’s DC Motema Pembe in their second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup play-off round match set for Sunday at Stade de Martyrs.
Speaking on Thursday ahead of their departure to Kinshasa, the coach insisted that Gor Mahia are better off even after being held to 1-1 draw in the first match. He is even predicting that K’Ogalo can advance to the group stages of the competition going by the level of their preparedness.
“I saw enough from the first leg that makes me confident we can go there and score two or more goals. We have a good chance and football is all about scoring goals. We have the ability and belief,” Polack stated.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “We have to get our focus and mentality right. We know it will be difficult away from home but with the right attitude, we can sail.” [/perfectpullquote]
Pollack is struggling to have the right squad ahead of the tie, with key player Charles Momanyi out of the match having been suspended after his red card in the first leg.
Momanyi was both villain and victor for Gor on the day as the penalty that resulted from his handball was saved.
However, in his absence Polack has picked defender Maurice Ojuang’ who has recovered from his injury, with Joachim Oluoch also expected to provide cover-up at the back.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia’s contingent of sixteen players and six members of the technical bench is set to depart from Nairobi this afternoon for Kinshasa.
Travelling unit:
Players: David Mapigano (Gk), Boniface Oluoch (Gk), Wellington Ochieng, Joachim Oluoch, Geoffrey Ochieng’, Joash Onyango, Ernest Wendo, Tobias Otieno, Boniface Omondi, Samuel Onyango, Kenneth Muguna (Cpt), Dickson Ambundo, Maurice Ojwang’, Lawrence Juma, Nicholas Kipkirui, Yikpe Gnamien.
Technical bench: Steven Polack (Head Coach), Patrick Odhiambo (Assistant coach), Jolawo Obondo (Team Manager), Willis Ochieng (Goalkeepers Coach), Fredrick Otieno (Team Doctor), George Omondi (Kit Master)
