Gor Mahia’s Neiva Lashes Out at Al Merreikh’s Disruptive Tactics Following 1-0 Loss in Juba
Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Neiva did not hold back in his criticism following his team’s 1-0 loss to Al Merreikh Bentiu in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round on Sunday afternoon in Juba, South Sudan. The defeat, delivered by a 63rd-minute goal from Mohamed El Feji, puts Gor Mahia in a challenging position as they prepare for the return leg at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, August 25.
Neiva’s frustration was evident as he condemned what he described as blatant time-wasting tactics employed by Al Merreikh after they took the lead. “In the first half, it was a good game for both teams. We started better and had three or four good opportunities. It was fair for both sides. However, in the second half, it’s unfortunate to say this, but this kind of game is not good for African football,” Neiva stated, expressing his disappointment with how the match deteriorated following the opening goal.
The Brazilian coach was particularly critical of Al Merreikh’s approach after they scored, accusing the South Sudanese side of deliberately slowing down the game to preserve their advantage. “They tried to stop and disrupt the play, especially after they scored the goal. After that, they didn’t want to play football anymore, which is sad for African football,” Neiva lamented. He also voiced his concerns about the officiating, noting that the four minutes of added time were insufficient given the extent of the disruptions. “At full-time, we needed at least seven minutes of added time, not the four minutes given by the referees,” he added.
Neiva’s comments reflect a broader concern about the impact of such tactics on the development of African football. He argued that games should be won through skill and strategy on the pitch, not by resorting to time-wasting or other unsportsmanlike behaviors. “I am very surprised by this old-fashioned style of football. Win on the pitch, not through unfair tactics. This is not an excuse; they played well in the first half,” Neiva emphasized, making it clear that while he acknowledges Al Merreikh’s first-half performance, he believes the game should have been decided differently.
With the first leg behind them, Gor Mahia now faces the daunting task of overturning the 1-0 deficit in the return leg. The team’s preparations for the crucial match in Nairobi will be critical, especially as they deal with off-field issues that have affected key players. Rooney Onyango and Musa Masika, who were expected to play pivotal roles, had their passports confiscated by the Italian Embassy over forgery allegations, leaving their availability for the second leg in doubt. In addition, Austin Odhiambo, who started on the bench in Juba due to limited training time last week, will need to step up if called upon.
Neiva remains hopeful that his team can regroup and deliver a stronger performance in front of their home crowd. The Brazilian coach knows that Gor Mahia’s chances of advancing to the next round depend on their ability to capitalize on home advantage and neutralize Al Merreikh’s defensive approach. “We have to stay focused and prepare well for the second leg. It’s important to stay calm and not let this defeat get into our heads. We know what we need to do, and we’ll be ready,” Neiva said, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back.
The stakes could not be higher for Gor Mahia, as the aggregate winner of this tie will move on to face reigning CAF Champions League champions Al Ahly in the first round. A place in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition is up for grabs, making the return leg in Nairobi a must-win for the Kenyan champions.
As Gor Mahia prepares for what promises to be a high-pressure encounter, the team will need to channel the disappointment of the first leg into a determined and disciplined performance on home soil. The Nyayo National Stadium will play host to a critical 90 minutes that could determine the course of Gor Mahia’s continental campaign.
In the build-up to the second leg, all eyes will be on how Neiva and his squad respond to the setback in Juba. The team’s ability to overcome the challenges posed by both their opponents and the off-field distractions will be crucial in their quest to advance in the CAF Champions League. For Gor Mahia, the mission is clear: overturn the deficit, reclaim the initiative, and keep their dream of continental glory alive.
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