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The Nairobian

Kenyan champions drawn against Rwanda’s APR in CAF Champions League

Football

By Rodgers Eshitemi | Nov 11, 2020

Gor Mahia FC players follow proceedings during training session at the Two Rivers grounds in Nairobi on October 12, 2020. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Gor aim to go past first round in continental tie

Tuyisenge has chance to face his former employers

Gor Mahia is aiming for a better outing in this year’s CAF champions League, the club’s assistant coach Patrick Odhiambo has said.

The record Kenyan champions, who have failed to go past the first round of the prestigious continental tournament for the last two consecutive seasons, have been drawn against Rwandese giants Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Football Club (APR) in the preliminary round of this year’s competition.

As per the draws conducted on Monday in Cairo, Egypt, K'Ogalo will travel to Kigali for the first leg on November 28 before hosting the return leg a week later in Nairobi.

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The winners of the two-legged fixture will either meet Algeria’s CR Belouizdad or Libya’s El Nasr in the next round.

While the fixture presents a perfect opportunity for Rwandese talisman Jacques Tuyisenge to reunite with his former club, it will be a chance for newly appointed Gor coach Brazillian coach Roberto Oliveira Goncalves to face his former rivals in Rwanda.

Tuyisenge scored over 63 goals for Gor Mahia in all competitions during his three and half years stay at the club before joining Angolan giants Petro Atletico in 2019, where he lasted less than a season.

On the other hand, Goncalves was at the helm of APR’s rivals Rayon Sports between 2018 and 2019.

Although Odhiambo termed the draw ‘fair’ and ‘convenient’ for the two East African clubs, he has urged the club to work closely as a unit while preparing for the assignments.

“Of course we know it will not be an easy game because any team that has reached that level are worthy champions from their respective countries. It is a tournament of champions, nothing else. But I think this is a fair draw for both teams,” Odhiambo told Standard Sports.

Gor Mahia's Jacques Tuyisenge reacts after missing a goal during KPL match against KCB FC at Kenyatta stadium, Machakos. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Despite losing a couple of key players led by Kenyan international Joash Onyango (Simba SC, Tanzania), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka), Boniface Omondi, Fredrick Odhiambo (Wazito), the former Sony Sugar coach says their new signings have enough continental experience to make history in the Champions League.

Gor Mahia roped in the likes of South Sudanese striker Tito Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Cameroonian midfielder Bertrand Nkofor (Al Mudhaibi, Oman) and Jules Ulimwengu (Rayon Sports SC, Rwanda).

“We are motivated by the fact that the distance to Rwanda is short and we also have a number of players with a lot of continental match experience. With that experience, we expect the new players to give us a huge lift in the competition. They have been responding well in training and the few friendly matches we have played,” said Odhiambo.

“However, I believe good strategy, organisation and preparation will win us the match."