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The Nairobian

Neiva urges Gor Mahia to relax, enjoy themselves against Al Ahly

Football

By Ochieng Oyugi | Sep 21, 2024

**Gor Mahia coach Martins Neiva Leonardo during their CAF Champions League match against El Merreikh at Nyayo Stadium on August 25.** [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia FC take on defending champions Al Ahly SC in the second leg of their CAF Champions League duel at the 30,000 Al Salaam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt tonight (7pm).

Gor should avoid the little mistakes that cost them in the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi last weekend.

K'Ogalo should focus on a good display in Cairo, the way they did in the opening leg; playing short, crisp passes and rounding up their opponents. They should start the game strong, open it with bravery, and close it in a similar manner.

Gor should be wary of their opponents' distractive tactics of feigning fouls as this will break their rhythm of play.

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K'Ogalo should also aim their shots on target, as this is partly what contributed to their loss in Nairobi as their wonderful screamers went wide and over the bar.

Gor head to the game boosted with the return of goalkeeper Mathew Gad who is expected to offer solid support in between the sticks.

Since landing in Cairo on Thursday, after a five-hour direct flight, the 22-member squad has been training twice daily at the Al Salaam Stadium to get accustomed themselves to the glaring floodlights.

Despite their huge 3-0 deficit against 12-times champions Al Ahly, head coach Leonardo Neiva believes Gor still has a chance in the encounter to win the match, as nothing is cast on stone.

"We overturned the deficit against El Merreikh (South Sudan) in the first round of the qualifiers, this is also possible," he said.

Even if they don't win in Cairo, the Brazilian tactician says the clash is very important as it will give his boys the experience of playing continental football, which will be key in their future engagements.

The coach's other intention in tonight’s showdown is to play very good and attractive football that might give his players visibility.

"It is indeed true that we got a big defeat in Nairobi, but all the goals we conceded were as a result of mistakes. They can be cancelled,” Neiva reckoned.

"This coming match will give the players exposure for this level of football, you never know who is watching, they can get a very big proposal later from here.

"People should also understand that we stayed for two years without playing international football, so we are using this tournament to also introduce our players to the continental game, we want the players to adapt to this level of football like our rivals Al Ahly.”

Neiva feels his side gave the Egyptians a run for their money in Nairobi despite the heavy loss.

"They also agree that we surprised them with the kind of game that we play, despite the goals we had. They love our possessive tactics, tempo, the rhythm and that is what we are going to display tonight to give our players visibility," said the coach.

Neiva has the opinion that CAF should avoid pairing low ranked sides with strong teams in the tournament qualifiers as this is a great disadvantage to weak teams who badly need exposure in the continental showpiece.