Al Ahly adhered to the strategy of “Tuko away, hatuhitaji kupossess”, while K’ogalo fans go home comforting themselves with, “Wamewin lakini wametufeel”.
Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia face an uphill battle to qualify for the next round of the CAF Champions League after suffering a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the second preliminary stage match played at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The reigning CAF champions secured their victory with a goal from Rami Rabia and a brace from South African forward Percy Tau.
The heavy home loss, witnessed by Gor Mahia's loyal fans in Nairobi, leaves the Kenyan side with a daunting task of overturning the result by winning 4-0 in Cairo in the return leg — a near-impossible feat against the formidable champions.
Gor Mahia started the match on a high note, maintaining possession for a significant period. They nearly took the lead in the 6th minute with Austin Odhiambo showing his masterclass on the ball, resulting in a corner kick. The green army once again were knocking on Al Ahly’s door with Christopher Ochieng’ bringing in a cross from the right side but Rami Rabia was quick to put it out the box before it could land to Bonface Omondi on the far end.
Despite their early dominance, Gor Mahia fell behind in the 14th minute when Hussein El Shahat's low cross was mishandled by the goalkeeper, Omondi Kevin. Rami Rabia pounced on the opportunity to give Al Ahly the lead. The ensuing kickoff saw a defensive lapse from Gor Mahia, allowing Percy Tau to capitalize and double the visitors' advantage. Al Ahly almost added a third goal moments after, but goalkeeper Omondi Kevin made a crucial save denying Wessam Abou Ali.
K’ogalo continued to maintain possesion of the game with coach Leornado Neiva deciding to go for two early changes, captain Philemon Otieno and Kennedy Onyango coming off for Alpha Onyango and Paul Ochuonga. They nearly pulled one back when Austin Odhiambo set up Bonface Omondi but his shot narrowly missed the target. Midfielder Enock Morrison also got a chance to slot it home but his shot was saved by captain Mohammed El-Shenawy.
Al Ahly were being suffocated late first half and they used tactical fouls to contain the extra pressure from their opponents. Luckily for them, the referee did not issue any card despite most of the fouls being bookable offences.
Early in the second half, Gor Mahia coach Neiva brought in youngster Sharrif Musa to try enforce his attack. Musa’s introduction proved effective as he instantly became a threat for Al Ahli.
K’ogalo looked set to get a goal back considering they were all over the ball but a defensive mix up once more gave Percy Tau an opportunity to complete his brace in the 73rd minute. Although Shariff Musa pulled one back for Gor Mahia in the 89th minute, it was ruled offside.
The green army will now have a tough hurdle come 21st September when they travel to Egypt for the second league of the competition. Notably for the first leg, Al Ahly adhered to the strategy of “Tuko away, hatuhitaji kupossess”, while K’ogalo fans go home comforting themselves with, “Wamewin lakini wametufeel”.