Gor in Cairo ahead of Al Ahly Champions League rematch

Gor Mahia have safely landed in Cairo, Egypt on Thursday ahead of their CAF Champions League clash against holders Al Ahly of Egypt, set for Saturday.

The team left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 01.00am on Tuesday, aboard Egypt Air, as confirmed by Chairman Ambrose Rachier.

Rachier feels the 22-time Kenyan champions have what it takes to get a positive result in Cairo, despite losing 0-3 in the first leg played in Nairobi on Sunday.

‘’There is no obvious barrier that can stop us from cancelling the first leg result and probably win on post match penalties,’’ a hopeful Rachier said.

Earlier before their departure, head coach Leonardo Neiva said it was unfair pairing top teams in Africa with the lowly ranked ones at the preliminaries.

"On paper, I think it was unfair pairing us with such a big team. But that is football. It gives us some experience we have never had before,’’ Neiva said.

He was however adamant that K'Ogalo can still pull a surprise, saying all was not lost.

 ‘’We did the same against South Sudan’s Al Merreikh Bentiu. They beat us in the first leg and we managed to overturn the result in a bigger way. We have a plan and we pray it works for us in Cairo,’’ added Neiva.

Al Ahly are the current CAF Champions League title holders, and have won the title a record 12 times in total.

Gor on the other end are the only team from the CECAFA region to have lifted a continental title, the then Nelson Mandela Cup in 1987 under Coach Jack Johnson.

However, recently, the team has struggled to make significant impact at the continental stage.

Gor's travelling party consists of 22 players and members of the technical bench.

Goalkeeper Mathew Gad, who has for long been sidelined by the technical bench, has been included.

Since the arrival of Kevin Omondi from Sofapaka last season, Gad has been the third choice goalkeeper with Omondi being preferred between the sticks.

Youthful goalkeeper Caleb Otieno has also made it to Cairo. The match will be played on Saturday September 21 beginning 1900 EAT.