Gor Mahia without key duo for New Stars showdown
What you need to know:
- Joash Onyango and captain Harun Shakava have started in all Gor's continental matches this term.
- Six Gor players namely Samuel Onyango, Humphrey Mieno, Francis Mustafa, Jacques Tuyisenge, Shakava and Onyango were cautioned due to various disciplinary issues.
Kenyan champions Gor Mahia will line-up for their Caf Confederation Cup playoff first leg clash against New Stars de Douala of Cameroon on Sunday at Kasarani without their two dependable central defenders.
Joash Onyango and captain Haron Shakava - who have started in all Gor's continental matches this term - were found guilty of misconduct during their Caf Champions League first round reverse tie away to Lobi Stars of Nigeria at Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium in Enugu last month.
According to a letter addressed to Gor Mahia through the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the duo's case will be heard on Sunday by the continental body's disciplinary board.
Further, six Gor players namely Samuel Onyango, Humphrey Mieno, Francis Mustafa, Jacques Tuyisenge, Shakava and Onyango were cautioned due to various disciplinary issues.
“Reports indicate that player no. 12 Joash Onyango came towards the referee at the end of the match and insulted him with abusive language," read part of the letter posted on Gor official portal on Thursday.
“Furthermore, the goalkeeper of Lobi Stars, John Lawrence (16) slapped player no. 18 Haron Shakava of Gor Mahia who then went to kick back the goalkeeper. The referee was about to show them red cards yet the referees were evacuated by the police due to the pitch invasion."
The development leaves coach Hassan Oktay with three options in central defence. Joakim Oluoch, Pascal Ogweno and Charles Momanyi.
The Cameroon side is expected in the country on Friday at 10pm.
