Gor Mahia beat Al Ahly Merowe of Sudan 3-1 in first leg of Caf Confederation Cup

Gor Mahia FC's Jules Ulimwengu celebrate his goal against i CR Belouizdad of Algeria during CAF return leg at Nyayo National stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Record Kenyan champions completed a second half comeback to defeat Al Ahly Merowe of Sudan 3-1 in first leg of their Caf Confederation Cup first round match played at the New Suez Stadium in Egypt on Friday night.

The game was played in Suez, Egypt, as the Sudanese club did not have any approved stadia back home in Sudan.

Ahmed Saeed gave Merowe the lead four minutes before the half time break as K’Ogalo went to the break trailing by a goal.

In the final half, Gor emerged a much better side and it took them 10 minutes to restore parity through Sammy onyango’s penalty spot kick in the 55th minute.

At the hour mark, in form Benson Omalla gave the visitors the lead in the 66th minute after heading home from close range before Burundian striker Jules Ulimwengu sealed the victory in the 70th minute.

The secong half turn around saw the Mark Harrison led side pick a convincing win to ensure they have one foot into the last qualification round.

Any kind of draw at home next weekend or even a 1-0 defeat will still see Gor through to the play-off round where they will be drawn against teams which will drop from the Caf Champions League to vie for a spot in the group phase of the competition.

Al Ahly made it to the first round on 4-0 aggregate over neighbors Atlabara of South Sudan in the preliminary round while Gor got bye to the first round.

The 19-time Kenyan champions made the trip with only 17 players since they couldn’t register their new acquisitions because of a Fifa ban. But despite the adversity, they emerged victorious.