Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay has declared ‘war’ in North Africa, as the record Kenyan champions begin their back to back away Caf Confederation Cup Group D fixtures against Algeria’s NA Hussein Dey, in Algiers tonight (10pm).
K’Ogalo who are currently at the top of the group with six points are scheduled to pitch camp in north Africa after today’s game in preparation for match day five against Egyptian giants Zamalek on March 10 in Alexandria.
While Gor will be hunting in Algiers, joint second-placed Angola’s Petro Atletico will be hosting Zamalek in an early kick off match (7pm) in Luanda.
Having upset both Hussein Dey (2-0) and Zamalek (4-2) at Kasarani Stadium to throw the knock-out stage qualification wide open, the tactician is braced for a difficult match.
Gor Mahia will be hoping to avoid defeat today and also away to Zamalek. If they can get two points from the two matches in north Africa, then a win against Petro Atletico in the last group match will guarantee them passage to the quarter-finals, providing other results go their way.
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“We are fully aware of the task ahead of us. It’s going to be a very tough and technical game. Like I said before, Hussein have a small advantage as they are going to have fresh legs after their FA cancelled their midweek league game,” Oktay told The Standard Sports, moments before departing for Algiers.
“Therefore, it’s going to be a difficult and hard game for us. Mentally, the boys are ready, but physically, they look very tired. But we have to do something to relax their muscles and get them ready for the game. We are going there with an aim of playing a good and attractive game.”
With three group games remaining, Oktay can’t afford to drop any point.
“In football, anything is possible. Yes, it’s a disadvantage for us because we are going there after playing a high-intensity, 10-man league game against Tusker. We maybe be a bit tired, but we are still focused and ready for the match,” he added.
“We have been strong at home, getting all the six points and now we are looking for any point away. We can’t afford to drop any point at this stage. We have two back-to-back away matches, so, expect a different approach from us,” Oktay said.
But for Hussein coach Meziane Ighil, whose side had to finish with 10 men at Kasarani after Chems Harrag was sent off for dissent in the 86th minute.
