Gor Mahia FC is gearing up for their first leg match of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round against Egypt’s Al Ahly, a match set to take place on Sunday, September 16, at Nyayo National Stadium.
Gor Mahia’s path to this crucial tie has been marked by a remarkable performance in their first round CAF Champions League match where they overcame a 1-0 deficit from the first leg against South Sudan’s El Merreikh. However, playing on home turf at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, August 25, 2024, Gor Mahia secured a commanding 5-1 victory, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate win.
Al Ahly’s reputation as record CAF Champions League champions did not go unnoticed by the coach, who acknowledged, “Al Ahly is the top club in Africa according to CAF rankings. But football is 11 vs. 11, and we have to push ourselves to maintain a high level of play. We must aim to win at home and gain an advantage for the away leg.”
Gor Mahia will need to be at their peak to face the Egyptian giants, who are the reigning and record holders of the CAF Champions League title.
However, Gor Mahia has a rich history of defying expectations, especially on home turf. With the passionate support of their fans, expected to pack Nyayo National Stadium, K’Ogalo will rely heavily on the “12th man” to tip the scales in their favor.
“It’s a massive match, and we urge the fans to come out and be that extra man for us. I hope to see a full stadium,” said coach Leonardo Neiva.
The stakes couldn’t be any higher as Gor Mahia will be playing for progression to the group stage of the 2024/25 Total Energies CAF Champions League. The second leg is set to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024 in Egypt.
