Gor Mahia is poised for a significant moment as they make their highly anticipated return to the CAF Champions League. Today, Sunday, August 18, 2024 the Kenyan Premier League champions will take on South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu in the first leg of the preliminary round. The match is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m [EAT] at Juba Stadium, South Sudan, marking the beginning of Gor Mahia’s journey in this prestigious continental competition.
Coach Leo Neiva, who has been preparing his squad rigorously, expressed confidence ahead of the encounter.
“We are ready for this game. Our preseason trip to Tanzania was fantastic; we secured two wins, and tactically, we are improving gradually. The team’s harmony is good, and we are pleased to have Austin back for this game after attending to personal issues. We anticipate a challenging match against El Merriekh Sc Bentiu and are hopeful for a favorable result, ideally a draw or even a win,” Neiva stated.
Neiva has emphasized the importance of his three core principles for the team: Energy, Effort, and Purpose.
These tenets are expected to guide Gor Mahia through the demanding fixtures ahead.
In terms of team news, Gor Mahia will be without key players for this match. First-choice right-back Ronney Onyango and Musa Masika are unavailable due to personal reasons. Goalkeeper Gad Mathews and veteran midfielder Ernest Wendo are excluded for tactical reasons. Furthermore, the team will miss last season’s top scorer Benson Omalla, who has transferred to Lebanon’s Al Safa FC. However, the return of last season’s MVP Austin Odhiambo is a notable boost. After a prolonged absence due to personal matters, Odhiambo’s return is expected to enhance the team’s creativity and attacking options.
The much expected probable lineup for Gor Mahia On paper ; Kevin Omondi(GK) Alphonse Omija, Geoffrey Ochieng, Joshua Onyango, Owino Silvester, Alpha Onyango, Enock Morison, Musa Shariff, Chris Akena, Austin Odhiambo, and Gedeon Bandeka.
In a significant development for the competition, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced a new financial assistance model. For the first time, clubs participating in the preliminary stages of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will receive financial support. Each club will be granted $50,000 to help cover travel and logistical costs, a move aimed at easing the financial burden of participating in continental tournaments.
“In line with the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe’s promise to improve club Competitions and provide more financial assistance to Clubs, the Clubs participating in the Preliminary Stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will receive USD 50 000 each,” CAF Friday 16th August Press release reads.
This fixture is particularly momentous for Gor Mahia, marking their return to the continental stage after a two-year hiatus. Following today’s match, Gor Mahia will look to build on their performance in the return leg, scheduled for Sunday, August 25, 2024, at home. The outcome of these matches will be pivotal in determining the team’s progression in the CAF Champions League.
