Gor Mahia plot secure route past New Stars

Gor Mahia players celebrate scoring in a past match [Courtesy]

Gor Mahia conceded what could be a costly away goal despite winning 2-1 against New Stars of Cameroon in the Confederations Cup.

The return match is scheduled for this weekend in the Cameroonian capital of Doula with the winner of the two-legged match making it into group stages of the tournament.

Given that Gor Mahia have not been very successful in away matches since last year, Sunday’s result is bound to be a cause of concern among fans.

Three weeks ago, the team failed to hang on to a 3-1 lead at home against Lobi Stars, who won the return match 2-0 at home to proceed into the group stages of the Champions League.

New Stars need just one goal at home to eliminate Gor Mahia having scored once in Nairobi.

With Gor Mahia having been weakened at the back following the suspension of Harun Shakava and Joash Onyango, it will be more difficult for them to hang onto the narrow score.

On Sunday, Charles Momanyi and Joachim Oluoch were outstanding after being drafted to replace the suspended duo. However, they were guilty of ball watching allowing Benjamin Bechem score from a free header.

Despite conceding at home, Hassan Oktay insists his side will make it into the group stages.

“We did well today. We created chances and dominated the game though we need to work on our defence considering we once again conceded from a set-piece.”

“We expect to win again in the second leg. We are good and strong enough to dominate the match. Furthermore, our opponents play better away and they are poor at their own backyard,” he said.

Oktay also defended his substitutions which did not seem to go down well with the fans.

“The changes were fantastic because we scored a goal after they had equalised. It was our last chance to get something from the match and we did.”

He admitted that the absence of Shakava and Onyango affected his team’s balance. “However, this is Gor Mahia and every player who gets a chance to play must rise up to the demands.”

Former Nzoia Sugar’s Lawrence Juma was a revelation in the match and his goal in the first half was a good reward for his hard work.

Jacques Tuyisenge was largely unseen in most of the match but his late goal made up for his poor show on Sunday afternoon.