Gor Mahia defender Mike KIbwage/HANDOUT
Gor Mahia suffered a 2-0 defeat to Pyramids in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, September 6, leaving K’Ogalo with a mountain to climb in the second leg in Cairo on September 13.
The Kenyan champions must win by at least two goals to level the aggregate score and force a penalty shootout. Gor had an early opportunity to take the lead after a rare defensive lapse by Pyramids, but failed to convert the sitter.
Walid El Karti pounced on the rebound in the fifth minute to put the visitors ahead before Mahmoud Saber doubled the advantage with a thunderous strike on the stroke of half-time. Kibwage, who stepped into the shoes of injured captain Sylvester Owino, believes Gor’s lack of competitive matches compared to their Egyptian opponents was evident.
“I feel the lack of league matches has played a factor because at least we would have picked our rhythm, unlike Pyramids who have played two to three games. If you play a league match, it is competitive, and it gives you a morale booster to win,” said Kibwage. The former Tusker FC defender said competitive matches give players the edge, confidence and rhythm needed to perform against top opposition.
Gor’s only competitive outings this season have been the CECAFA Kagame Cup, where they lost 2-1 to Rayon Sports in the final in Kigali on August 7, the Green Legacy Cup, which they won on penalties against Migori Youth after a 2-2 draw on August 16, and the FKF Super Cup, where they lost 3-1 to Tusker on August 23. The FKF Premier League remains in limbo owing to legal disputes surrounding promotion and relegation regulations.
The league was initially scheduled to start on August 22 before being postponed to August 29, but has yet to kick off. “It has been a good experience, but hard luck we have not won. We were hoping for a better outing in the second leg, which would put us in a good position to qualify, but I feel we had a better second half,” added Kibwage.
Pyramids, meanwhile, have enjoyed a perfect start to their Egyptian Premier League campaign, winning all three matches, scoring six goals and conceding none. A 3-1 victory in Cairo would see Gor advance on away goals if the tie finishes 3-3 on aggregate, although the task will be daunting given Kenyan clubs’ struggles in North Africa. Kibwage, however, believes the first-leg defeat provided valuable experience against one of Africa’s leading sides.
Gor will be without suspended midfielder Enock Machaka in Cairo, while Owino faces a late fitness test on his calf despite returning to training. Pyramids coach Rhulani Mokwena praised Gor’s defensive pairing of Frank Odhiambo and Kibwage, saying the Kenyan side improved after a slow start.
“A very good game between two great teams. Congratulations to my team for winning. We did a good job behind the scenes and on the pitch. “Odhiambo is very good, strong in the duels, connects well with his partner Kibwage and the two midfielders. Their fans also showed up in numbers and supported them throughout the match despite losing,” said the South African tactician.
