It’s far from over, Gor’s Kerr and Tembo declare after Cup first leg Confed clash

Both Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr and his SuperSport United counterpart  Kaitano Tembo expect a different show in the return leg of the Caf-Confederations Cup playoff, coming up in a fortnight in Pretoria, South Africa.

Gor will walk into the match with a narrow one goal lead, courtesy of Rwandese Jacques Tuyisenge who scored from the spot on Sunday, at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

Kerr had put straight his intention to finish the business of booking a spot to the group stage of the second tier African inter-club competition at home, but the result means he will have to labour more away.

“No! no, one goal is not enough. We have got to go there with a positive attitude the way did in Esperance. We found a very different side to the team that played here, and I believe it could be the same case when we go to South Africa.

“We will go and play, I keep telling my players to realize how good they are, very good team, very good individuals, and that’s what we must show in the return match,” Kerr said after the match.

The Mata born Briton further noted his charges exhibited splendid teamwork, calling for more of the show when the two sides clash again. According to Kerr, though scoring opportunities were not as he expected, the few that were missed should have made a bigger difference.

“We have always created chances, we came close through George (Odhiambo) twice and Jacques in the first half. Maybe the field was not to our advantage but we came out with a goal. You may think I will go to Pretoria to defend it, no, I will tell my players to and enjoy themselves,” emphasized the ever confident tactician.

On the absence of Godfrey Walusimbi, Kerr heaped praise on his replacement Philemon Otieno, who stood tall against the fierce opposition of experienced former South African international Thuso Phala.

Kerr underscored he was content with Otieno’s industry, adding his ability to play in almost every position in the field is now tested and proven.

More possession

The Swanky Boys (Matsatsantsa) are however undeterred despite conceding the goal, which Tembo said was unfortunate.

“This game is not over. It will end in two weeks time, but for now they (Gor) have the advantage, so we just have to go out there and prepare properly for them.

“Yes, we can overturn the result, we have a good team and I think we showed it today. We just have to work a little bit more, create more opportunities and score goals. We know in the second leg we will have more possession, penetrate more and we will get goals,” the interim manager said.

He was however critical of the penalty awarded to Gor after Gomolemo Kekana was adjudged to have handled in the box, noting it spoilt his strategy to keep an away clean sheet.

He thus conceded he had to change to a more attacking approach in the last quarter hour after the goal, which almost paid dividends in the death.

“Tactically we were better, we also created chances. I’m not sure about the penalty, we also had a shout for one in the last minute but we were not awarded. In most of 50-50 situations the referee appeared to lean on the hosts side but credit to them (Gor), they also showed they deserved it,” offered the Zimbabwean.

Asked if he was worried about his uninspiring run in the South African Premier League (PSL), Tembo said he was under no pressure whatsoever.

“We are calm, note in January alone we played 10 games in 28 days, that’s close to a match after every two days. The impact was not favorable to us and we found ourselves in an awkward position. We have however overcome, the hunger is back and we are playing as a team. We just have to take it game by game, both in the league and continental fronts and results will come,” averred the coach.

The three-time PLS winners are currently tucked at the 14th in the 16-team league, just a place above relegation zone.

Gor will need at least a barren draw to advance to the lucrative group stage, which Kerr says will be a justifiable consolation for the ‘undeserved’ CAF Champions League exit in the hands of Tunisia’s Esperance.