Gor hope lightning strikes twice as Esperance touch down

Is the North African clubs’ dominance over their Kenyan counterparts set to continue Saturday evening, or will Gor Mahia alter this well-documented script?

The local fanatic will be offered clues to these inquiries on Saturday, when Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia confront their Tunisian counterparts Esperance Sportive de Tunis at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The North African team arrived in town Thursday evening but not before letting everybody know of their presence ahead of Saturday’s first leg clash of the Caf Champions League set for the Nyayo National Stadium.

From rejecting already booked facilities by their hosts to talking big about their expectations, even outspoken Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho would have been impressed by the mind games employed by the two-time African champions upon arrival.

“I am certain our experience over the years will prove vital during this game,” Esperance coach Ruud Krol told journalists at the airport.

A majority of Kenyan football teams including Ulinzi Stars, Nzoia Sugar, Tusker FC, Mathare United and AFC Leopards would rather not discuss their experience at the hands of North African opposition.

Gor will thus be clinging to hope that the events of December 5, 1987 – when a 3-3 aggregate result against the same opponents proved adequate for the team to clinch the then African Cup winners Cup (Mandela Cup) – will play itself out on Saturday afternoon.

DISMISSED PAST FEAT

However, the Tunisia contingent seemed eager to pour cold water on this feat.

“History is nothing, it won’t count for much, football will be played on the pitch come Saturday where we have a good chance of defeating them,” the team’s Ghanian forward Harrison Afful commented.

Gor will be buoyed by the recent impressive form. This includes a 100 per cent winning record in the new season of the league thus far and their dramatic win over Gabonese club US Bitam in the previous round of the competition.

K’Ogalo will however have to negotiate this tie without the services of dependable defender David Owino, who is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the last encounter in Gabon. Ugandan defender Israel Emuge is set to replace Owino.

Custodian and team captain Jerim Onyango – who has earned plaudits from a section of the Tunisian press for his heroics in the defeat over Bitam – is expected to shake off a shoulder injury to start.

Star forward Dan Sserunkuma will lead the attack, with compatriots Walusimbi and Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito alongside Kenyan Internationals Teddy Akumu, George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo, Rama Salim and Patrick Oboya are primed for crucial roles in this contest.

“We prepared for this match just like any other tie. The players are buoyed by the confidence of raking in the recent impressive results, a sequence we expect to continue into this match,” Gor coach Bobby Williamson said.

MISTAKES

Gor have however been warned against making mistakes against such a top quality side.

“Esperance will be coming to defend, especially in the first half, and try pinpoint several aspects of Gor’s play. In the second half, they will most likely opt for time wasting, and waiting to pounce on any slightest mistake,” former Kenyan International Frankline Obare who scored for Tusker during a 2-1 win over this team at Kasarani in 2001said.

“Gor need an early goal, especially in the first half, but if possible they should win without conceding,” Obare who now coaches Nationwide League side Wazito FC pointed out.

Match tickets worth Sh1,000 for the main stand and Sh200 for terraces will be on sale at various Wells Fargo outlets in the city.

This story first appeared on SportOn!