CAF Champions League: Kenneth Muguna confident as K’Ogalo tackle APR

Gor Mahia Kenneth Muguna (left) battles for ball possession against Boniface Mukhekhe of AFC Leopards during their KPL Derby at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday 08/03/2020. Gor won 1-0. [Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna has called on his teammates to put their off the pitch issues behind them and focus on getting a positive result in today’s CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg clash against APR of Rwanda in Kigali.

The record Kenyan champions have had a couple of problems in the last few days ranging from head coach Roberto Oliveira Goncalves disqualification from the two-legged fixture to bungled travel arrangements, players’ go slow over unpaid salary and Secretary General Sam Ochola’s suspension due to gross insubordination.

The ban on the Brazilian saw the club appoint their former defender and current Posta Rangers coach Sammy Omollo to temporarily lead the team in the preliminary round of the competition whose reverse fixture is scheduled for next Saturday.

And with the team having finally left for Kigali yesterday morning, it remains to be seen if the team will be put under mandatory 24 hour quarantine as per Rwandan government’s strict measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. The match is set to kick off at 4pm today.

Sammy Omollo [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

“We are prepared and ready for the APR match. As players our focus is on the match and not off the pitch issues. We know what is at stake and we are looking forward to get a positive result in Kigali ahead of the return leg,” Muguna told Standard Sports.

“Our job is to play and represent both the club and the country. That’s where we are going to put all our energy on and not the administrative issues; anything that is happening outside the pitch is none of our business as players.”

While Gor Mahia’s poor preparation for continental matches continues, APR coach Mohamad Adil Erradi has declared to have a fully-fit squad at his disposal.

“We are in good shape, and every player is focused on winning the match against Gor Mahia. This is a must-win game and I think we can do it,” said Adil.

Gor Mahia FC's Kenneth Muguna celebrates a goal against Nzoia FC during KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
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