Tusker dream on, Gor regroup

• Tusker are as good as through. The same could not be said of Gor Mahia after failing to find the net despite dominating against ANSE Re-Union in their match at the Nyayo Stadium.

Tusker FC and Gor Mahia have set their sights on qualification to the tournament proper in the Caf Champions League and Caf Confederation Cup tournament respectively, after both teams avoided defeats in the first leg of the preliminary duels over the weekend.

The two Kenyan teams who are eager to right the wrongs of the recent campaigns, had fancied their chances of at least making the first round after they were both pooled against opposition from football minnows Seychelles.

But the two sides got their campaign going in contrasting fashion.

Tusker FC were one of the biggest winners in the Champions League, with their 4-1 triumph away to St Michel United in a duel staged at the Stade Linite stadium in Victoria.

Orlando Pirates of South Africa hit Primeiro Agosto of Angola 5-0 while Pirates of South Africa triumphed 5-0 in Soweto against Djabal from the Comoros Islands.

Also winning large were Kano Pillars of Nigeria who whipped Central African Republic visitors Olympique Real Bangui 5-1 in Kano

“We are quite satisfied with the outcome of this match. It is what we intended to achieve here,” said Tusker’s head of delegation Charles Obiny. He added: “We will finish off the tie in Nairobi and embark on adequately preparing for the next opponent.

The “next opponent” if Obiny needed any reminder is Egyptian giants Al Ahly who are also the reigning African champions.

The early indications would dare Tusker coach Robert Matano dream of pulling an upset.

The host of new signings acquired in off-season including Ugandan quartet Robert Omunuk, Martin Kiiza, Awuton Khalid and Andrew Ssekyayomba, as well as Micheal Olunga, Jesse Were, Andrew Tololwa and Moses Arita have added strength and depth to the brewer outfit ahead of an expected long and gruelling season.

Ssekyayomba and Olunga were among the scorers in Victoria.

Tusker are as good as through. The same could not be said of Gor Mahia after failing to find the net despite dominating against ANSE Re-Union in their match at the Nyayo Stadium.

K’Ogalo did everything but score in the well attended match on Saturday, and on evidence of this performance will be rated favourites to advance after the return leg.

The Kenyan club will however have to negotiate that engagement without the services of dependable midfielder Anthony Akumu, who was sent-off for a professional foul.

After the match Gor Mahia coach Zdravko Logarusic blamed everybody except himself.

“Rama (Salim) Sserunkuma (Dani), Lavatsa (Edwin) and Kevin (Omondi) are still young. At some points during the season you see that inexperience creeps in. We had a dozen chances and neither could convert one,” Said the Croat.

“On the other hand our league season is yet to start and we are rusty. Federation has not helped matters but we are not out of this tie, its 50/50 and I fancy we will qualify the Federation has not helped matters. But we are not out of this tie, its 50/50 and I fancy we will qualify(for the first round).” asserted the Croatian coach.

Either side will qualify for the next phase with a win or score draw.