Gor Mahia sound war bells as Al Ahly come calling

The Brazilian coach however urged his charges to step up in the first leg if they are to bag all the points, warning that the defending champions will go all out in the return leg in Cairo.

“We must be very clinical in the first leg so as to win maximum points. It either we win or we win and nothing short. If we fail to step up in the first leg, we will jeopardize our chances and that’s why it is important to start strongly. That will also motivate us ahead of the return leg in Cairo,” he said.

The coach also rallied the club fans to turn out in large numbers and support the team.

“We really request the fans to turn up in large numbers and fill the stadium. They will be our extra player in the stadium. They must come because I know in Egypt our opponents will receive massive support from their fans.”

The record FKF Premier League champions overturned a 1-0 away defeat to claim a 5-2 aggregate win over South Sudan’s El Merreikh, with a 5-1 rout in the second leg in Nairobi in the first round CAF Champions League matches.

Gor will need to be at their peak to face the Egyptian giants, who defeated Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis 1-0 last season to clinch their record-extending 12th continental title.

However, Gor has a rich history of defying expectations, especially on home turf and Neiva has warned the Al Ahly will leave chinks in their defence.

““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.”

The second leg is set to take place on September 21, 2024 in Egypt.

Tickets for the match are priced at Ksh 200 for regular and Ksh 500 for VIP.