Tag: Gor Mahia vs USM Alger

Gor Mahia vs USM Alger Preview

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Gor Mahia face a tall order as they try to qualify for the 2019-2020 Africa champions league group stage. Having lost the first leg 4-1, Kogalo needs to win by a score of 3-0.

“We all saw what happened in the first leg, we can’t defeat USM with the kind of football we played today.  We played well in the first half but come the second half things were really different. I will talk to talk to my players about it,” told Polack to Citizen Sports.

USM Alger will start parking the bus as soon as they land at JKIA. They will also apply the typical cynical Gor Mahia will need to be ingenious. Coach Steve Polack was unhappy with his side’s display against KCB last weekend.

“My plan is to guide them not to concede a goal in the whole match but try as much as possible to score goals, more so in the first half. I understand clubs from the North Africa are used to playing attacking football which can give us a lot of pressure to defend as we attack, but will give our best,” explained the tactician

Gor Mahia are missing key players. But coach Polack is unperturbed.

Shafiq batambuze has a long term knee injury. Philemon Otieno is sidelined with a long-term achilles injury, while Nicholas Kipkirui, Francis Afriye are also out with injuries.

“I have more than 23 players in the squad and apart from few players who are injured; we still have options,” he said.

Keeper Robert Mapigano, who had a nighmare first leg, is still optimistic.

“They defeated us in the first leg, what makes it hard for us to do the same? We have what it takes to get the 3-0 needed to qualify for the next stage. It will need more work on the pitch, every player has to give more than 100% and if we do so, I am sure we will make it.”

Government to fund Gor Mahia trip

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Gor Mahia will after all travel Algeria after an eventful week in which the clubs travel plans were thrown into disarray.

Additional reporting from the Nation

Gor Mahia are set depart for Algeria on Friday for the first leg of their Caf Champions League first round match against USM Algier, club chairman Ambrose Rachier said on Thursday.

Rachier told Nation Sport that club patron and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had intervened and the government has promised to give them return air ticket so that they can honour the away fixture set for Sunday.

According to Rachier, the team couldn’t leave the country on Thursday as earlier planned due to financial constraints, though still they are not sure about the time they shall leave on Friday because that depends on the airline and flight which they will be booked in by the government.

“We shall be leaving on Friday but I can’t tell the time, because we are not sure when the tickets we have been promised will be ready. We intend to reach Algeria on Saturday in readiness for the Sunday match. As at now we still don’t have money, things have been hard and we are relying on the government’s promise,” Rachier told Nation Sport on Thursday.

“We are sure they won’t let us down,” he added.

He acknowledged that the club has not been able to raise enough money to fund the trip and thanked the fans who are still continuing to support the team financially through the club’s pay bill number.

The encounter between the two teams is slated for Sunday at 10.25 pm and K’Ogalo will have less than 24 hours to train before the match kick off after arriving in Algeria.

Despite the financial troubles that has surrounded the teams traveling plans, Rachier exuded confidence that the players are well prepared and they shall go for a win then finish the job in a fortnight at home during the return leg.

The club on Wednesday released a list of 26 people including players, match officials and technical bench who are expected to depart for Algeria.

Traveling party

Boniface Oluoch, David Mapigano, Wellington Ochieng’, Tobias Otieno, Nicholas Kipkirui, Kenneth Muguna, Boniface Omondi, Joash Onyango, Joachim Oluoch, Samuel Onyango, Dickson Ambudo, Earnest Wendo, Lawrence Juma, Charles Momanyi, Maurice Ojwang’ and Geoffrey Ochieng’

Technical bench: Steven Polack, Patrick Odhiambo, Jolawi Obondo, Willis Ochieng’, Fredrick Otieno, George Omondi.

Officials: Ronald Ngala, Judith Nyangi, David Kilo and FKF official Joseph Andere.

Gor Mahia eliminated from CAF Confederations cup

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Gor Mahia have lost 2-1 to USM Alger. And with Rayon Sports winning their tie against Yanga 1-0, Gor Mahia are out of the tournament. Jacque Tuyisenge scored Gor Mahia’s goal.

Additional reporting from the Nation

Gor Mahia on Wednesday failed in their bid to reach the quarter-finals of the Caf Confederation Cup after losing 2-1 away to USM Alger at the 5th July Stadium in Algiers, Algeria in their final preliminary match.

Goals from Prince Ibara and Amis Sayoud propelled the hosts to victory as they finished top of group D with 11 points, with Rayon Sports grabbing second spot after a 1-0 win over Yanga at home to finish on nine points and seal the final quarter-final slot.

The lanky Caleb Bimenyimana, who scored when Rayon beat Gor in Nairobi last week, netted the all-important goal in this match.

K’Ogalo finished third in the pool with eight points and miss out on a last eight berth.

Jacques Tuyisenge pulled a goal back for Gor but it proved to be too late as the Algerians held on for the win.

The Kenyan champions will rue their loss against Rayon on August 18 in Nairobi in a match that they only needed a point from to confirm their place in the group stages with a game to spare.

A point against USM would have seen Gor go through ahead of Rayon on goal difference.

As expected, K’Ogalo began the match on the back foot in the wake of a myriad of attacking moves from the hosts and at some point had to thank reserve goalkeeper Fredrick Odhiambo for stopping a ninth-minute Ahmed Koudri penalty, which was awarded after Harun Shakava appeared to handle in the box.

Ibara would, however, hand his side the lead on 36 minutes, after escaping his markers to power a header past a stranded Odhiambo from a corner kick.

The Kenyan side also survived a scare towards the end of the half when Ernest Wendo was forced to clear a goal-bound shot off the line with Odhiambo well beaten.

Backed by a noisy crowd at their backyard, Alger came back forcefully in the second half, and added the second goal against the run of play.

As a result, Gor, who earned Sh27.5 million in prize money for making it to this stage of the competition, have missed an extra Sh8 million reserved for the eight teams which make it to the quarters.

The tournament’s winning team will pocket Sh125 million.

Gor, who clinched the 2018 Kenyan Premier League title with six matches to spare last weekend, will now turn their attentions to the FKF SportPesa Shield, where they take on Kariobangi Sharks at the Kenyatta stadium in Machakos on Saturday.

Coach Kerr proud of his players

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Despite dropping crucial points at home, coach Dylan Kerr has praised his players for putting on a valiant effort.

“I’m happy we held a big team despite the setback and we got a point from them. My players are doing better every day, but there is more room for wonders. Knowing the kind of tight schedule we have had recently, they gave it all the field,” said Kerr after the match.

Kerr further observed that his team did well considering that they were a man down with 30 minutes left to play in the encounter.

“I think when we were reduced to 10 men, the pressure to defend our goal was much, that’s why I told Tuyisenge to be double his effort, striking from middle and we created several chances.” he continued.

Kerr was once again critical of logistics and suggested the club needed better organization.

“We had to stay for a long time in the traffic jam coming to the stadium, this is not what you want in a match day,” he said.

Indeed Kerr was happy that his defence, which has been conceding a lot of goals, was able to keep a clean sheet despite playing top class opposition in the last two games.

“I am delighted with my players, it was a good match and the good thing is that we kept a clean sheet and got a point as well, although we wanted more. The pitch made it a little harder for us, and USM as well but the outcome was not bad. My players keep on giving their best, they are improving and that is the most encouraging thing.” said Kerr.

USM Algiers coach Miloud Hamdi observed that he would have done better if they had their key striker.

“My players fought hard, although we were not as clinical as we should have been in the attack. Darfaloum should have done better, maybe, but a point away from home is a gain,” Hamdi declared.

Gor Mahia will next play Yanga in Dar es Salaam. Having dropped points at home, winning an away match is crucial and this is their best opportunity.

Gor Mahia now turns attention to USM Alger

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After putting up a solid performance in front of a capacity crowd Gor Mahia will now train their guns on USM Alger of Algeria as they seek their first win in the 2018 CAF Confederations cup group stage. Whereas Gor Mahia played to a scoreless draw against Hull City USM Alger played their most recent league match on Friday May 11 against 11th placed Jeunesse Sportive Kabylie. They were upset 3-2. This is a defeat that bodes well for Gor Mahia.

It will be a tall order against them however. They score many goals via lightning quick counter attacks and use the flanks effectively. Coach Kerr is well aware of the threat.

“We’ll be facing a very strong, tactically aware, and quick USM Alger team, and this will call for all players to give 100%.” Kerr told KweséESPN, ”

Kerr further pointed out that the match against Hull City prepared his side for the test on Wednesday.

“It was a good rehearsal, but I like the attitude, and character that my players showed was very positive,” Kerr continued. “We continue to create so many chances but still not scoring as we should be doing.  I’m glad that Hull City gave us a true top level test of the European blend of football as we prepare to face USM Alger.” he continued.

Venue

The Management at Kasarani had earlier decided to close down the stadium again after seats were vandalized. But they appear to have changed their mind.

“The game will go on, that is certain. This is a CAF game and we can’t afford to alter it at this point. The inspectors came and gave the stadium a go ahead so we cannot go on to close it two days to the game,” Rakki Asman who is the Communications Chief at Sports Kenya said to miechezoafrika.

He added; “It is true there were damages but we have to assess and see what the cost is then see who to bill because the game was organized by SportPesa,” added Asman.

This Ingwe fan was caught on camera vandalizing the seats at Kasarani

Kasarani has always had cheap flimsy seats which makes it easy for fans to rip them off.

Gate Collections

Club Treasurer Sally Bolo has announced that Ksh 3.6 million was collected at the match against Hull City on Sunday.

“In total, we sold 30, 000 tickets, and that includes both VIP and terrace tickets. I believe we could have sold more, but there were several complimentary tickets as well as several courtesy card holders who were allowed free access into the stadium.

“It is the highest amount we have recorded as a club this season, and it is definitely among the highest amounts of money the club has realised in a long time. I thank the Gor fans for the wonderful turn out and ask them to continue supporting the club with that same passion,” she said to the Nation.

Fans are incredulous since they expected numbers closer to 60,000 tickets sold. But Bolo claims that many fans entered free.

Gor Mahia to play USM Alger at Kasarani

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Good news for Kogalo fans. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved Kasarani as the venue for the CAF Confederations cup match against USM Alger. Club CEO Omondi Aduda confirmed the same.

“Our prayers have been answered and we are now good to go. Caf have written to FKF confirming that they have approved our request to have Kasarani as the main venue for the remaining Caf matches.” said Aduda to goal.com

Earlier on, the match was scheduled for Machakos. With the match now at Kasarani, Gor Mahia are assured of a better attendance due to its closer proximity to the City. Now its up to the club to set reasonable ticket prices in order to pull a larger crowd.

The USM Alger match will be played on Wednesday May 16. Prior to Hull City, Gor Mahia will test their strength against English second tier side Hull City. This match will also be played at Kasarani on May 13.

Coach Dylan Kerr is happy that his side will have a good build up match.

“I am glad that we shall face a tough opponent in Hull City,” he told KweséESPN. “This is not some small team, but a team which will test us in all aspects.

“Playing the English side will be a true test for us a few days before we host Algeria’s USM Alger in the second Group D match,” he added. “We are delighted that we defeated AFC Leopards to qualify to face the visiting Hull side.

“Every team seems much comfortable playing at home,” Kerr continued, looking back at Gor’s draw with Rayon, “but we have what it takes to go win our next game at home and also travel away and pick up points.” concluded Kerr.

USM Alger promises to be a tough encounter. Aside from beating Yanga 4-0 last weekend, they had also beaten Plateau United of Nigeria 4-0 in the previous round. Coach Kerr is under no illusions about how difficult the game will be.

“We need to beat USM Alger to brighten our chances of progressing to the latter stages of the CAF Confederation Cup,” he added. “It makes the game against Hull City very important.

“Everybody thinks they can get out of the group, but it will all depend on who wants it more and we surely have the material, hunger and motivation to make it to the quarter finals.”

Rwandese striker Meddie Kagere is also looking forward to playing Hull City.

“I know we shall use this match as a build-up before we host [USM Alger],” told KweséESPN, “so it will be a very important game that I am looking forward to.”