Gor Mahia land in a very manageable group
The draw for the 2018 CAF Confederations cup is out. Gor Mahia have been placed in group D along with regional rivals Yanga of Tanzania and Rayon Sports of Rwanda. The other team in the group is USM Alger of Algeria. Its a favourable draw that leaves Kogalo an excellent chance at qualifying for the quarter-finals as either group winner or runners up. The draw also makes Gor Mahia’s travel expenses more manageable.
Kogalo kick off their campaign away to Rayon Sport on May 6. They will be playing Meddie Kagere’s former team where he played in 2013 and 2014. The team is coached by former AFC Leopards coach Ivan Minnaert. Its redemption time for Kogalo after their massive 6-0 aggregate loss to another Rwandese side APR in 2008. The only survivor from that team is George Odhiambo “Blackberry” who at the time was barely out of secondary school. He had been a star for Kamkunji secondary school in 2007, leading them to the Nairobi City title. And that is where he first made his name.
Gor Mahia have played Yanga numerous times, most recently at the 2015 CECAFA cup where Kogalo beat Yanga 2-1 in front of the latter’s own fans. And coach Dylan Kerr knows Yanga well having coached them in 2015.
“I know Yanga very well,” said Gor Mahia’s English coach Dylan Kerr, to the Nation.
Indeed Gor Mahia’s record against Tanzanian teams has been very good over the years.
Gor Mahia will then host USM Alger on May 16. In its long illustrious history, Gor Mahia have never played a team from Algeria. Yet USM Alger are the clear favourites. They were imprresive when beating Plateau United of Nigeria 4-0 in their most recent match. And they were CAF Champions league runners up in 2015.
“I don’t know much about Rayon and the Algerian team though. Overall, I expect it to be very tough because everyone wants to qualify for the quarter-finals. I believe in the team and the players, we can do this.” added Kerr.
The good news is that unlike Vegeterianos, Kerr will find plenty of video featuring USM Alger matches.
“Now that we have got here, there is nothing to fear. We just play the way we know because in that group we stand a very big chance,” added Gor captain Harun Shakava to the Nation.
In addition to earning Ksh 27 Million in the group stage, Kogalo could earn another Sh8 million should the team qualify for the quarters.
Kogalo stand to gain a total Sh45 million if they progress to the semi-finals, or Sh125 million for going all the way and winning the tournament. They will make a total Sh45 million if they progress to the semi-finals, or Sh125 million for going all the way and winning the tournament.
Early preparations are key. Organization with regard to ticketing and other off the field issues will be key. And hopefully the government will give Kogalo an opportunity to play some home matches in Nairobi.
Am a little bit confused jothurwa. Kizungu mingi. Please what cup is esperance playing? What’s the difference with this one? Konya jokamaa
Esperance wako Champios League na Gor wako Confederation Cup
True, confederation cup was formerly known as Africa cup winners cup or Nelson Mandela cup.
Champions league was known as Africa club Champions, meant for teams which have won premier league in their countries. After being limited by Esperance, Kogalo dropped to the confederation cup.
Ageno ni winjre maler
awinji maler bwana….an ne amanyo mana espernce modno wachul gowi. koro lerr.
No team is weak. Kogalo has to work hard.
With the east African teams paired in one group….what will become of annual sportpesa cup and the cecafa kagame cup….same teams play each other over and over and over !!!!!
Ever since CAF have always conspired with North and West Africa teams to have them qualify to later stages of the competition by pairing them with E.A teams perceived to be weak.Now with the forceful emergence of E.A teams , they have been grouped together to eliminate each other. Having said that the group is tough, history should not mislead GMFC and the fans.This is a totally different ball game.
My opinion is that the Algeria team has higher chances of topping the group. The other three teams have an equal opportunity of coming second. So to me it’s not an easy group but rather tricky.
Snatching a point or three from the Algeria team would be a good thing for gor, that means winning all our home matches
I am afraid, how will the duo strickers,
kagere and Tuysenge lead us against there own country ?
@mark…why would you be afraid about that?these are professional players, they know where their bread is buttered.
And it’s not the first time where players come up against teams from their motherland,it happens everyday in international football!!
Manageable Indeed! I Like. Go! Kogalo Go!
Sportpesa returns tomorrow and Musa parts ways with Tirana…..Good news!!!
Musymo Musa odwogi koso nade?
Jasego, Musa we uru odwogi. Ageno ni ineno blunder ariyo ma olowago kawuono. Ageno ni ineno ngat mokelogi. Kawacho ga to idwa nega to boy no to pod biro cost wa!!!!
Sportpesa officializing sponsorship tomorrow.Not that they ever stopped only it was opaque and had zero accountability.Right time too for that since coupled with Caf prize money all financial matters beginning with Walusimbi returning should be dealt with immediately
Hehehe…SportPesa is not going to give kogallo contract tomorrow…..it will simply declare very strong intent to support KPL , gor Mahia, efusi and the Kenya rugby team now that, the Government gave in in to pressure from betting firms and proposed a new 15% rate down from the 35% in a bill tabled by Leader of Majority Aden Duale in Parliament this week.
Let’s hope for the best should the Bill pass through and hopefully the end of our financial problems….
Personally i have no problem with Musa but let him try another team untill season ends. He had no kind words for Gor mahia when leaving .
What has happened to him should be lesson to others.
Wuod Suba let Musa come back our defence is better with him than it is right now. I have always moaned why Kerr does not trust Wafula. All of you saw what he is capable of today!!!
Gor Mahia – 5
Thika United – 2
Pongezi Vijana