Gor Mahia fight for vital point

Gor Mahia's Meddie Kagere (left) fights for possession against Kevin Muhire of Rayon Sport during their Caf Confederation Cup match in Nyamirambo, Rwanda on Sunday night. [Photo/ Courtesy]

It may not be the end result Gor Mahia wished for, but it might prove vital in the end.

Faced with hosts Rayon Sports in their opening match of Sunday’s Confederations Cup group fixtures at Nyamirambo Stadium, K'Ogalo were evidently the stronger side.

The Kenyan Premier League champions were, however, let down by several wasted chances as they drew 1-1.

Play-maker Francis Kahata will blame himself for not converting a last-minute chance when left with only the goalkeeper to beat. He shot inches wide.

The chance was one of at least five that came Gor's way on the rain-soaked field.

Gor Mahia will also be worried about their back line, which constantly crumbled under pressure.

But coach Dylan Kerr defended his defence despite conceding from yet another set-piece.

“It was not like the one we conceded against Mathare United at Machakos Stadium. This time, the ball did not split the wall. It was a fantastic free-kick and we could not do anything about it,” he said.

Kerr also admitted that his players may have been intimidated by the huge crowd that turned up to watch the match.

“The Rayon Sports fans were marvellous and stood behind their team. I think my boys panicked after the equaliser and at half time, I had to tell them to relax and just enjoy themselves."

Rayon Sports coach Ivan Minnaet said he was disappointed with the draw.

“The early goal unsettled us but we recovered and even hoped to do better. It is just the first match and we are looking forward to a better campaign,” he said.

Gor Mahia started strongly, forcing a first-minute corner. The team looked quite composed on the ball stringing some fine passes.

The hosts also threatened early when Ismaila Diarra's long cross in the fifth minute was easily dealt with by Gor Mahia goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch.

Gor's early dominance was rewarded in the 10th minute when Meddie Kagere netted the opener and with it silenced the 20,000 shouting fans - for a while.

The goal came from a fine pass by Humphrey Mieno and Kagere, who recently acquired Rwandese citizenship, made no mistake to score from a tight angle.