Gor Mahia, the reigning champions of the Kenyan Premier League, are preparing for a crucial CAF Champions League second-leg match against South Sudan’s Elmerriekh Bentiu. The return of key players Rooney Onyango and Musa Masika provides a significant boost as the team looks to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.
On Saturday, Gor Mahia faces the challenging task of securing a win by at least two goals at Nyayo Stadium to advance in Africa’s premier club competition. The stakes are high, but the Nairobi-based club is ready to rise to the occasion.
Onyango and Masika missed the first leg in Juba due to a travel documentation issue that saw their passports temporarily held by the Italian Embassy. They were in the process of securing visas for trials in Italy, along with teammates Ben Stanley Omondi and Shariff Majabe. With the issue now resolved, both players have rejoined the squad and participated in a gym session on Tuesday, showing their readiness for the critical encounter.
Gor Mahia’s return to Kenya on Monday brought positive news as team doctor Fredrick Otieno confirmed that all players are fit, with no injury concerns heading into Saturday’s match. This means head coach Leonardo Leiva has a full squad at his disposal as he prepares for this high-stakes game.
Leiva, who was clearly frustrated by Elmerriekh’s tactics in the first leg—marked by time-wasting and simulated injuries—is expected to deploy an aggressive 4-4-2 formation. This setup will enable Gor Mahia to transition smoothly between attack and defense, capitalizing on the pace and crossing ability of their wing-backs.
Reflecting on the first leg, Leiva expressed his disappointment with the opposition’s approach. “They played well in the first half, but after scoring, they started to disrupt play with constant delays and time-wasting, which is disappointing for African football,” he remarked. His words highlight the challenges Gor Mahia faced in maintaining their momentum during the initial encounter.
In defense, Kevin Omondi is expected to start as goalkeeper, supported by a backline featuring Sylvester Owino, Joshua Onyango, Alphonse Omija, and captain Geoffrey “Simiti” Ochieng. The midfield will likely include the experienced Ghanaian Enoch Morisson, alongside Alpha Onyango and FKF’s Most Valuable Player, Austin Odhiambo, to control the game’s tempo.
On the flanks, Rooney Onyango is anticipated to start as the right wing-back, with Levin Odhiambo taking the left wing. This dynamic duo is expected to apply significant pressure on Elmerriekh’s defense with their speed and ability to deliver precise crosses. Up front, Congolese forward Gideon Bendeka will spearhead the attack, likely partnered by either Boniface Omondi or the promising young talent Chris Ochieng.
As Gor Mahia gears up for this crucial match, the support of the Green Army at Nyayo Stadium will be vital. Leiva’s strategy will focus on relentless attacking to pin Elmerriekh back and secure the necessary goals. However, the coach will need to be cautious of Ramzi Sebit, the South Sudanese coach who has openly admitted to using time-wasting tactics in the first leg. Sebit may employ similar strategies to protect his team’s slim 1-0 lead.
Should Gor Mahia succeed in this match and achieve the victory they need, they will advance to a challenging second-round tie against the reigning CAF Champions League champions, Al Ahly of Egypt. The prospect of facing such a formidable opponent adds even more significance to Saturday’s match.
For now, Gor Mahia’s focus remains squarely on the task ahead—securing a win against Elmerriekh and keeping their African ambitions alive. The return of key players Onyango and Masika, coupled with the team’s determination and tactical preparation, gives them a strong chance of advancing in the tournament.
With so much at stake, Gor Mahia’s upcoming match promises to be a thrilling and intense encounter, with the hopes of the club and its passionate supporters resting on the team’s ability to deliver a performance that reflects their status as champions.
