Gor Mahia out to prove a point against New Stars

Gor Mahia midfielder Lawrence Juma (right) celebrates scoring against New Stars de Doula with Francis Mustafa during their Caf Confederation Cup play-off first leg at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on January 13, 2019. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Gor coach Hassan Oktay is expected to stick to the team that registered a 2-1 win in the first leg last Sunday at Kasarani stadium
  • New Stars’ camp is breeding with optimism of a maiden qualification to the group stage on their third appearance at the continental stage
  • Deputy Captain Aristide Medjo returns after missing the first leg due to suspension while goalkeeper Paul Kybien and midfielder Orian Jores are suspended

Gor Mahia carry a slim one-goal advantage into the return leg of the Caf Confederation Cup play-off against New Stars de Douala of Cameroon at the Omnisports stadium, Limbe on Sunday.

The record Kenyan champions, who won the first leg 2-1, need to avoid defeat to sail through to the money-spinning group stage where Sh27 million awaits for a start.

Can Gor Mahia do it this time barely 29 days after relinquishing a 3-1 advantage to lose 2-0 to Lobi Stars of Nigeria in the Champions League first round?

The loss meant K'Ogalo bowed out of the coveted tourney on away goal rule despite their convincing start in Nairobi.

Togolese referee Kokou Ntale will be at the centre assisted by compatriots Limna Kabassima and Adam Biyao in the 5pm kick-off at the 20,000-seater Limbe stadium located in western part of Cameroon.

Gor coach Hassan Oktay is expected to stick to the team that registered a 2-1 win in the first leg last Sunday at Kasarani stadium.

Charles Momanyi will play alongside Joachim Oluoch in central defence following the absence of regulars, Captain Harun Shakava and Joash Onyango who complete their two-match suspension from the continental body on Sunday.

K’Ogalo will also miss three forwards led by former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech, Nicholas Kipkirui and Ivorian Ephrem Guikan whose registration to feature in this tourney will become valid once the team qualifies for the last 16.

A 19-man squad landed in the West African nation on Friday morning and embarked on a road trip to Limbe from Douala.

“We’ve not had any problem so far in terms of reception,” stand-in captain Philemon Otieno told Nation Sport on Saturday from their base in Limbe. “The weather is unpredictable here because it’s has been raining since we arrived,” the utility player added.

Coach Oktay, whose charges will thereafter fly direct to Dar es Salaam for the SportPesa Cup that commences on Tuesday, is confident of making amends this time round.

“In Nigeria, we were frustrated by poor officiating hence losing easily but in Cameroon, we shall win, we shall play the same way we’ve been doing,” remarked the Turkish-Cypriot coach who has two wins and as many defeats in continental games since taking charge at Gor in December.

New Stars’ camp is breeding with optimism of a maiden qualification to the group stage on their third appearance at the continental stage.

Each player has been promised about Sh85,000 by the club supremo if they beat Gor and qualify.

“We are going for a win and nothing short of that. We saw a great team in Nairobi and our output showed that we can unlock them here,” club president and business magnate Domkeu Faustin was quoted saying on Caf website.

Deputy Captain Aristide Medjo returns after missing the first leg due to suspension while goalkeeper Paul Kybien and midfielder Orian Jores are suspended.

Caf Confederation Cup fixture

New Stars de Douala v Gor Mahia (Limbe Omnisports stadium, 5pm)

Gor Mahia probable lineup

Boniface Oluoch (GK), Charles Momanyi, Joachim Oluoch, Shafik Batambuze, Philemon Otieno, Ernest Wendo, Francis Kahata, Lawrence Juma, Boniface Omondi, Jacques Tuyisenge, Erisa Ssekisambu