FOOTBALL: Coach Oktay optimistic Gor can beat Zamalek

Gor Mahia FC's Coach Hassan Oktay instruct against Posta Rangers FC during their KPL match at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday Jan 9, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay is confident Gor Mahia can beat Egypt's Zamalek in the first Group D Confederation Cup at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

Oktay spoke after the 17-time Kenyan champions beat Sony Sugar 2-0 at the Sportpesa Premier League match at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Wednesday.

Oktay said: “Although we are unable to win all the matches, victory against Sony Sugar has instilled confidence in my players ahead of the match against Egypt's Zamalek on Sunday."

“It is not a big deal to beat Zamalek. A section of the media have created a wrong impression. We are equal to the task and my boys are ready.

“We are capable of breaking the jinx against the Egyptian clubs who have in the past beat Kenyan teams in almost all continental matches. We want to change the trend."

He said their performance in local matches are some times frustrated by referees decisions who, he feels, are unfair. He cited the Sony Sugar match which, he claimed, they were denied a penalty after a Sony defender handled the ball inside the box.

“Earlier, we had been denied a goal after the referee pointed at the centre only for him to change mind after consulting with an assistant referee,” he claimed.

He said congestion of fixtures in local and international matches saw them lose crucial points. Before Sony match, Gor had lost by a solitary goal to KCB ahead of Sportpesa Super Cup match against Mbao FC in Dar Es Salaam who beat them 4-3.