Confederation Cup: K’Ogalo beaten by Rwandese side Rayon Sport and must now avoid defeat in Algeria

Gor Mahia FC's Francis Mustafa drible ball past Rwatubyaye Abdul of Rayon Sports in their fifth Group D match of the CAF Confederations Cup at Kasarani on Sunday August 19, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]?

Kenyan champions lose to Rayon Sport when they needed a draw to go through to quarters and must now avoid defeat in Algeria.

Gor Mahia have complicated their CAF Confederations Cup quarterfinals qualification chances after falling 2-1 to Rayon Sports of Rwanda, in yesterday’s crucial Group D match at Kasarani Stadium.

Though the record Kenyan champions are still at the summit, level on points (8) with USM Alger’s after they lost by a similar margin to Tanzania’s Yanga in Dar as Salaam last night, they must avoid a defeat in the final group match in North Africa on August 29.

“We have worked hard in the last few days, but today it didn’t work out. We conceded early goal, came back but Rayon worked very hard to frustrate us. It is hard to take for the fans and players, they gave it all but it wasn’t our day,” said a disappointed Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr.

“We now have to go to Algers and either win or get a point, no short cut about it. It is an important game  for both teams, but we don’t want to ruin our fantastic season.”

Gor notably started slowly and shockingly fell behind within two minutes, through Bonfils Caleb’s flick after pouncing on a delivery from the left flank.

Sensational freekick

Burundian import Francis Mustafa cancelled out Caleb’s opener in the 21st minute, but Eric Rutanga once again broke K’Ogalo fans’ heart with absolutely sensational free kick to secure a vital win for the visitors and revive their qualification hopes.

After Caleb’s opener, Gor earned a free kick, but Francis Kahata’s effort went over the bar before Caleb forced a fine save from goalkeeper Shaban Odhoji.

K’Ogalo had a chance to draw level in the 17th minute, but Wellington Ochieng’ over hit his cross after a brilliant build up with Kahata’s on the right flank.

Towering Caleb then received the ball from the midfield, rounded off his marker but he shot the ball wide under pressure from Gor defence.

Gor drew level in the 21st minute when Francis Mustafa capitalised on Rayon’s defensive blunder to slot the ball past the advancing goalkeeper Abouba Bashunga.

But in the 52nd minute, the unexpected happened Rutanga beat Gor’s well and Odhoji with a perfectly-placed dipping free kick from the right flank to secure the vital win.

Three minutes later, Caleb could have extended the lead for the visitor but Odhoji did well to gather his glancing header.

Kahata’s had a chance to level in the 75th minute but good reflex from the keeper kept the Kenyan international at bay before Rutanga missed free header on the opposite end.

Dylan Kerr then made double substitutions bringing on the duo of Lawrence Juma and Samuel Onyango for Wellington Ochieng’ and Mustafa respectively, but nothing came out of them.

Idhoji came to Gor’s rescue when he stopped Caleb’s 84th minute close range effort as both sides pushed each others’ defence.