History seeking Gor wary of potential threats in Egypt

Gor Mahia anticipates threats in Alexandria ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup return leg against Egyptians Zamalek on Sunday.

Club boss Ambrose Rachier however says they will not be cowed as such antics would work in K’Ogalo’s favour as they bid to pull a surprise against the hosts.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, the long serving club boss reckoned that as “underdogs” they can pull a surprise adding that they’re going for nothing short of victory.

“God does wonders. We know they are planning to intimidate us and we are prepared for them. This year we are determined to make it to the quarters,’’ said Rachier.

Rachier who condemned the frustration they went through in Algeria in the hands of NA Hussein Dey added that they’re awaiting a communique from CAF on the poor officiating even though the result would still stand.

Shafique Batambuze’s header from a Francis Kahata corner was disallowed to the dissatisfaction of many and Rachier says if CAF does not address such acts, then African football has no future.

“We were robbed of a clean goal and it pains us a lot. There is nothing we can do because the only immediate action by CAF can take is to suspend the referee if found culpable and it may not be of much help to us,” he reckoned.

Zamalek will be seeking a revenge after a humiliating and unexpected 4-2 defeat to Gor Mahia in Kasarani in the first leg. Sunday’s match had initially been slated for Cairo, the home town of Zamalek, but was later moved to Alexandria, some 218  kilometres north west of Cairo.

Should Gor Mahia secure a point on Sunday, they will only need to beat Petro Atletico on March 17 in Nairobi to advance to the quarters, where a staggering Ksh. 38 million is up for grabs.

Gor Mahia travelled without their first choice custodian Boniface Oluoch who was injured and coach Hassan Oktay could elect to field Fredrick Peter Odhiambo between the sticks as was the case in Algeria against NA Hussein Dey.

Shaban Odhoji is likely to be the sub-keeper. Could Gor sail all the way to the final and rekindle the memories of  1987 when they won the coveted trophy,  then known as Nelson Mandela Cup? Time will tell.