Gor Mahia blank AS Ports 2-0
Gor Mahia booked a place in the quarter-finals of the 2019 CECAFA club cup when they blanked AS Ports of Djibouti 2-0. The goals came from Boniface Omondi and Dennis Oalo.
Additional reporting from the Nation
Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay praised his new arsenal after watching them impress and storm the quarter-finals of the ongoing Cecafa Kagame Cup with a routine 2-0 victory over Djibouti’s AS Port here at the Umugunda stadium in Rubavu.
Kenyan clubs have always had it easy against opposition from Djibouti (remember Kariobangi Sharks’ 9-1 aggregate score on Artar Solar in the Confederation Cup last year?) and Gor seemed determined to maintain this advantage.
Boniface Omondi stepped off the bench to open the scoring for the second string K’Ogalo side in the 70th minute. New recruit Dennis Oalo thereafter scored his first ever goal in a Gor Mahia shirt, the second of the contest, with the final kick of this game. He managed the feat with a solo effort after practically worming through a forest of tired legs from the boys in blue.
Omondi meanwhile had reacted quickest to a cross into the danger area from fellow sub Kenneth Muguna. And as AS Port defenders stood there ball watching, he stretched his right foot and stabbed home the ball past an advancing Nasradin Abdi, who was guarding the opposing goal.
This result temporarily moves the Kenyan champions to the top of Group ‘D’ after garnering maximum points in two games. “I had to check my new signings today,” said Oktay when responding to a question on why he made nine changes in this match. “I like the way our opponents worked very hard. They give everything. I have asked my players to try and emulate that.”
Gor also beat DR Congo’s AS Maniema 2-1 on Monday. AS Port have three points, while Zanzibar’s Kikosi Maalum Cha Kuzuia Magendo (KMKM) and Maniema who are set to face off Wednesday evening, are yet to pick a point in this group.
Oktay host of changes were influenced by this match coming 48 hours after the clash versus Maniema. First choice keeper Boniface Oluoch was dropped to the bench and replaced by another new signing in the frame of David Mapigano. Similarly, first teamers including captain Harun Shakava who reportedly is unwell, Charles Momanyi, Tobias Otieno, Nicholas Kipkurui and Boniface Omondi were all benched.
This match was preceded by a minute of silence in honour of Kenyan great Joe Kadenge who passed on earlier this week. Then the physically imposing Kenyan team settled first and fast. In the opening minute, rookie Erick Ombija should have done better when he was played through on goal by Hashim Sempala. Instead, the lad took time to settle, required an extra touch in the box before sending a feeble shot that was well gathered.
Moments later, Dickson Ambundo blazed over the bar when perhaps some composure could have yielded better results. The pendulum would soon swing AS Port’s way as Mapigano, playing in his first game since joining Gor from Tanzania’s Singida United, parried away a dangerous free kick from Mouhamed Ahmed. Mapigano had to be at stand by again to thwart a one on one attack from Ghanaian danger man Gabriel Dadzie. “We played a better team. We cannot complain. The two goals we conceded came towards the end because my players were tired. Others were injured,” said AS Port coach Mouhamed Mereneh.
In other results, Rwandan champions Rayon Sport beat South Sudan’s Albatara 2-0 in Kigali, Uganda’s KCCA upset Tanzania’s Azam 1-0 in Huye as former African champions TP Mazembe defeated Tanzania’s KMC by a solitary goal.
Still not impressed until we beat Azam, TP Mazembe, APR.We must distinguish between boys and men in this competition.
Kawuono to iwuoyo ka wuowi. Lakini Hongera.
you can only beat the team infront of you. Gor is playing brilliantly given that the likes of Ambundo, Oalo, Ronack and Mapigano are just joining the team and there is still no Philemon, Joash and Batambuze. Performance of Ambundo, Ronack and Oalo in that game have strengthened my trust in Gor Mahia’s scouting. Not big names some of us wanted but very promising. Mapigano was never tested so i cant judge him yet.
Oalo has the technique and hunger of a top striker, will go far
Ambundo’s movement, positioning and technique reminds of Ramah Salim. just need to work on his physical side a little bit. Seemed very light. i see many assists and goals in him
Ronack is calm as yonder, never looked out of place in that defence
Odhis, we don’t have beat those ones, that is too much pressure on the boys at this early stage. Let them do what they can, one game at a time. If they beat anybody, fine if they lose, fine at least they will have given the coach some idea.
Ambundo score 12 goals in the 2018/2019 Tanzanian Premier league. Dennis Palo scored 24 goals in the 2018/2019 Kenyan National Super League. Those are promising players. They will do well once the team gels.
Sorry, I meant Dennis Oalo. Ambundo scored…
Great …keep it up team. A beautiful start…the sky is the limit…
Congrats team
Nothing to celebrate. Djibouti and a team from congo are not our equals. We should be judged by performances against APR , Simba, Nkana, TP mazembe ansd the likes of north African giants.
Personally, i only see us retaining the league in 2020…at best ! At worst it will be kichapo in CAF with a likely exit in first round as CAF is not for youngsters but experienced and prooven professionals.
I wonder, Could it be that now that ADOR is leaving in 6 months, the entire EC is changing in 6 months, sportpesa sponsorship is in limbo, tuzo hand shake deal never materialise , its free for all ? everyone has chosen to sacrifice the future of the club in favor of saving the budget and avoiding player boycotts and perenial strikes ?
Perhaps this could explain why we have gone for youngsters but it will cost us dearly in future. The next chairman will have to remedy the situation.
@Jakoyo, Prophet of doom. Last year Mbao FC beat us but we still graced the CAFCC quarters. Last year we were not supposed to even defend the SPL according to you but we did. The more you remain negative the more we proceed further.
I like the optimism of @Kosero
Congrats boys.
This is pre-season and all the teams are okay. The Djibouti team was a good test for the boys.
I was really impressed by Elvis Ronack. The guy has great composure and timing.
truth be told our signings this year we mediocre
@Jonny, so who were we to sign. Please pass the contacts to the EC. Who knows the Madagascar players, yet we know players like Bokande. Those days of big names are long gone. Seen anything special from Salah and Mane at AFCON?
We need to believe and onspirw the team we have. But if you have those BIG-name signings then let us know, as well as how we can finance the same. BTW we are not Simba or Esperance in terms of finances
@Danico, you and those of like mind are in denial. Big names win titles and trophies. When it does not happen it is called an upset and it is very rare. Leicester and Greece in that Euro were celebrated the world over because everybody knows they are once in a lifetime events. Show me which league has been won by youth and unknown players in Africa or Europe in the last 3 years. You cannot lose Tuyisenge, Kahata and Blackberry then replace them with Ambundo, Oalo and Tobias Otieno and claim you have a better team. It must take a lot of stupidity to believe that. And we were able to sign the likes of Baba Kizito when we never had a sponsor so let this issue of money rest for now.
I believe you thought the same when we lost Olunga and then Kagere. Didn’t we make the Caf Confederation quarters without them. Was Aucho in the team? Was Kizito in the team?
Let us support this boys. The talent is there and all can see. What is left is what happens for all players, which is to receive the backing of the green army.
I am still concerned that Kogalo squad is weaker than 2018, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 yet we hope to do well in Africa champions league. You can’t compete in continental if you have so many inexperienced players
Transfer window has not closed. Coach Hassan Oktay said the team is looking for an experienced striker and not a midfielder. Let us wait and see.
Congrats boys. Let the nay sayers continue whining for big names. The last time I checked, the Gor squad still has experienced player like Bonny Oluoch, Philemon Otieno, Batembuze, Joash Onyango, Haron Shakava, Charles Momanyi, Geofrey Ochieng, Ernest Wendo, Hashim Sempala, Sammy Onyango, Bonny Omondi, Nick Kipkirui, Lawi Juma, Joachim Oluoch, Kenneth Muguna and any other player who was there last season. When we talk of inexperienced player who exactly are we talking about? Were Tuisenge and Kahata the only experienced player in Gor Mahia? Does it mean that their departure of 2 players spell doom to the team? I dont think so. The players I have listed up there have continental experience. The new recruits will blend very well with old. I don’t see where the fear is coming from. A good team is made up of the young and the mature players. This will end up being one of the best Gor Mahia teams.
Amor, Piny Mor, Polo bende Mor. For God and my beloved club – Kogallo
Wellington Ochieng is also experienced
Let’s cut out the pessimism and be objective.
Gor Mahia playing unit, as currently constituted has no less than FIFTEEN players with vast CAF continental experience.
Add the new exciting young recruits. The future bodes well.
This great squad a blend of veterans and youth, barring non footballing interference will do mighty exploits this season.
Particularly in CAF second round matches, let’s RESPECT and support this squad.
we must support this s team. for them to have agreed to sign for Gor it is enough to make us believe that they believe they can. These young team is the best that has happened after Sianga’s recruitment 10 years ago. The team that is slowly exiting now and which has helped us stay on top for over ten years. This is another team we should call “Kumi Tena”
Whether we loose, draw or win. I support.
Who will second
OJOmondi
I fully concur with you and support you, this team will surprise many this season by competing favourably with the so called and overwhelmingly favoured North African sides
My congratulations goes to our team. I am more so not worried about the regional and the Continental challenges, leave alone KPL. Going by what is happening, the recruitment could not have come at a better time. As much as experience is crucial, it must be built. The best way to do this is to throw a player into the deep end. This is the best opportunity to do that. Remember the famous job adverts that are so common in our Country. “You must have 5, 10, 15,……..years experience” Where do you get it if not given the opportunity? So this is the actual experience that is being built. A long the way consequences must be there. There is a time for everything. If it is the time to build and fail to win a trophy so be it. Remember that Gor is not alone in the field but with others who are also fighting to win trophies. My take therefore is, let us all be part of what is happening and encourage these boys as they give their best in building their careers. None of them gives less of themselves.
if these players fail it will be because the fans have failed them. Forget yesterday, let us build a team for tomorrow. Let us not build a team with the new players, a team that is pocket friendly, a team that aspires to succeed, a team that do not depend on an individual. Then most important get a team leader, a good captain with experience
Delete *not and read let us build a team with new players.
In addition Gor has been used by players who want a comeback. These are the players who possibly bribed their way in desperation locking out very talented players. These players walked in and out the way they wanted and held the management hosted with their salaries. The approach is good and refreshing. These players must be encouraged to succeed. The management has a lighter burden and should not shames them or exploit them by not paying their salaries. They will deliver. Kudos scout. Good vision for the club. I am sure Gor will dominate Harambee stars again not like this time when the same monied players “went on holiday to France and Egypt” locking out serious local talented players. Gor must always change players lives
kumi tena !
In addition Gor has been used by players who want a comeback. These are the players who possibly bribed their way in desperation locking out very talented players. These players walked in and out the way they wanted and held the management hosted with their salaries. The approach is good and refreshing. These players must be encouraged to succeed. The management has a lighter burden and should not shames them or exploit them by not paying their salaries. They will deliver. Kudos scout. Good vision for the club. I am sure Gor will dominate Harambee stars again not like this time when the same moneyed players “went on holiday to France and Egypt” locking out serious local talented players. Gor must always change players lives as it greatest “social responsibility” and must be challenged when not doing that. That what makes Gor ever Great among doubters, critics, competitors and a preferred coaching paradise for coaches who desire to test their patience, humility and skills.
The optimism on this wall is so encouraging. if we keep it up this way when we win, draw or lose, we shall see quarter finals of ccl, at least.
If for whatever reason one chooses to be an optimist , a pessimist or an alarmist , its upon that person to deal with that situation , however amidst all that , pragmatically , one should solely be guided by facts and facts alone and in this case it is totally misleading to give the impression that the Gor for this season is going to be composed of new and inexperienced players while the fact is that only two players have left the club from the mainframe of last season , TWO PLAYERS and to challenge anybody to give names of any team that has won anything with inexperienced players while valid as an example is totally misplaced vis a vis Gor Mahia’s situation and to the alarmists who year in year out have been prophesising doom , it is clear that those prophesies have been solely based on wishes than facts but nevertheless , ADOR has intimated that he will not seek another term and so rather than intoxicating this wall with doomsday scenarios , the better and progressive thing to do would be to stop wasting our time here and start giving as your roadmaps out of what you are prophesising .
As to the new players who have come in , well it beats all logic to assume that you have the capacity or wherewithal to make a conclusion based on 180minutes of pre season football , lets try to be realistic and practical even when we are dyed in the wool pessimists .
Finally the issue has never been whether one new Olunga or not before he joined Gor Mahia but rather the loud negative decibels that welcomed him when he came , the same to Tuisenge-Fact is you were wrong then but again even then , you were the loudest .
Ojomondi, there was no Amanaka in Gor, never. You could have added Blackberry there and the year of revival was 2009 if I remember well
It was wisdom how gor caretakers used its lean finances to inject youthfull and raw talent into the team. Reality is that gor can’t afford a star-studded outfit worth millions we wish for. Equations; what are our ambitions? Are we moving backward or foward? What can we do to bolster our finances? Can we beat west and north african teams fair and square? We still lack a sharpened striker. Otanga was a better cast if not for the greedy officials. In every successful team there must be harmony and effort amongst the officials, technical bench, players and fans. Lack of motivation, strikes, delays in salaries and allowances players left to sleep on the floor of airports must stop. Technical, tactical and psychological preparation must be thorough. The players must exude and display confidence vibrance, ambition and belief in themselves. Its a long time since Mandela cup. It’s not a secret anymore, that we seriously yearn for a continental trophy. Go for it boys and print your names in the golden books of history.
I have been a fan of this great club for a while now and truth be told, the playing unit has been changing every season. The current changes are nothing new. Some of us are only sharing their fear of the unknown.
Take for instance the team of last season. How many played with Awilo? How many played with Antony Akumu in Kogalo? How many played with Rama Salim? There you have it. The team has been changing every season. In all those seasons, we have signed unknown names like Calabar and many more whom we moulded into great performers. Some like Shakava and Philemon were signed from relegated teams.
Let us support our boys and see them grow into great men of football.
The great club that Gor is was rescued in 2010 by these “unknowns” – Makori mwalimu (remember his runs), Owiti (too tiny and physically disadvantaged ), Awilo – (captain and mature mentor), Zablon Amanaka – left legged and hard on opponents , Balding Ngwa – cameroon approach – pase and thorax, Pro (player coach), Chris Wekesa – (left leg and overweight opponents would simply walk pass his right side), Kitawi – diminutive and skillful, Tony – running all over and falling when he came in as substitute. Some of these players did not become the great players Gor has ever had, however they laid a perfect foundation for others to exploit and make their money and elevate Gor to its current stature and dominance over the last decade. During that time 2010 the few fans who remained supportive and very forgiving. The official worked hard to mortivate the players and change rules to avoid going the “grass”. Fans would throng the field of play after the games to carry the players shoulder high for entertaining match whether it was a win, draw or loss.I wish the fans will lower their expectation and give this boys a chance.
One fact that our people will and must accept , even if grudgingly , that a player , any player who comes to Gor and shines will be snapped and when that happens and we go to the market , we will not be buying in the same pool as the Raja Casablanca , TP Mazembe , Mamelodi etc , e.g teams like Porto , Anderletch , Ajax dont and cant compete with the likes of Real Madrid , Barca etc and just like we will witness new unknown players in Ajax after the Uefa heroes are gone because they will go , so shall we witness new unknown players in Gor and who again will come , shine and go .
I find it amusing , tragically as it is , to see guys floating names of players who have shined at Afcon where the scouts are and proposing that they be signed and when that doesnt happen , people start wailing , screaming and predicting doom , something which has become an annual ritual on this wall every beginning of the season , despite the fact that facts show that our final product has been progressive for the last 5-6 years .
So when I see wailing and screaming on this wall like I witness yet another new season , I wonder if this is based on pessimism , failed memories , warped agendas or just a consequence of an Injected negative mentality the colonialist trajically bestowed on Africans , yet outside this country , be it Angola , Algeria , Egypt , S.Africa , Gor’s progress is touted in very positive light .
I want to retrace back to the early and mid eighties. When Gor recruited the likes of Magongo, Nyangi, Onyango Jogoo, Isaiah Omondi, Zangi, Fundi, Abbey Nasur, the Obwakas and company. Did they join Gor Mahia with experience? Did they perform upon being given chance in the team? Experience come with being given a chance to prove yourself. Even those players who people here are advocating for to join Gor were once given chances to gain experience. They also started from scratches. And then again how many experienced players flop upon joining new teams? Lukaku, Benteke and Andy Carol in Liverpool, to mention but a few.
The only time Gor Mahia has done well in continental is when they had a group of highly experienced players, many of whom had been playing together for a long time.