Oliech dropped for Gor trip to Angola

Gor Mahia FC jetted out of the country this morning without Dennis Oliech after the striker failed a late fitness assessment ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup clash against Petro Atletico in Angola.

Gor’s assistant coach Zedekiah Otieno said Oliech failed to recover in time as expected after the all-time Kenyan top scorer suffered a bruise in training on the eve of their derby victory over AFC Leopards on Saturday.

“We thought it was a small injury but he has developed some infection which has made him uncomfortable. He can neither run nor hold on to the ball,’’ rued ‘’Zico’’

The setback dents another blow to an already depleted Gor frontline after Rwandese striker Jacques Tuyisenge was ruled out due to suspension alongside right-back Philemon Otieno. Zico rued the absence of the trio but backed Gor to shine in Luanda.

Geoffrey Ochieng has also had an opportunity to make his second trip abroad as a Gor Mahia player after he was handed a late consideration following Oliech’ exit. He is a newly signed left back and featured for the Green Army in the Super Cup in Dar es Salaam.

Gor rattled nine-time CAF title winners Zamalek of Egypt in Matchday One with a 4-2 victory in at the Kasarani Stadium set up by a brace from Tuyisenge with Oliech and Nicholas Kipkirui also on target.

But the only Kenyan club to win an African competition – the 1987 Cup Winners Cup – have often flattered only to deceive and Petro Atletico will offer a big test.

In the other Group D clash, Zamalek will host Algeria’s Na Hussein Dey at 2200 EAT.