Oktay full of praise for brace hero Onyango

Gor Mahia forward Samuel Onyango (in green) round-offs Lobi Stars goalkeeper John Lawrence as defender Emmanuel Agbaji looks on during their Caf Champions League first round first leg at Moi International Sports centre, Kasarani on December 16, 2018. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • The 26-year-old had spiralled down the pecking order under Dylan Kerr who often used him as back up for George “Blackberry” Odhiambo on the right wing
  • Oktay has handed the Kenyan international a new lease of life since he took over on December 5
  • Onyango has started in all matches since then scoring three goals in as many appearances

Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay was left in awe of Samuel Onyango after the forward scored a brace in the 3-1 win over Nigerian side Lobi Stars in the Caf Champions League first round first leg at Kasarani stadium on Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who joined Gor in January this year from Ulinzi Stars, had spiralled down the pecking order under Dylan Kerr who often used him as back up for George “Blackberry” Odhiambo on the right wing.

However Oktay has handed the Kenyan international a new lease of life since he took over on December 5 in the preliminary round return leg against Nyasa Bullets in Malawi.

Onyango has started in all matches since then scoring three goals in four appearances.

“Samuel is a very talented boy,” began Oktay in his post-match interview adding “but sometimes you need to trust these players and give them opportunities, you can’t sideline players whether they play or not.”

“I am here to improve the players’ football not to destroy them. I believe Samuel will get better because he is a gifted boy,” offered the Turkish-Briton.

On the overall team performance, Oktay was concerned by the glut of missed chances that cost them a bigger advantage heading to the return leg.

“I am not happy but positive, I believe we had chances to make it 4-1 or 5-1. At 3-1, we tried to lock the game by dropping one of the midfield players in front of the back four to protect the defence.

“They (Lobi) possessed the ball at some point in the second half but I didn’t see any danger from them, in fact we created more chances,” he concluded.

Gor travel to the West African nation midweek for the second leg slated for Friday in Enugu.