Skipper Muguna hands Gor boost ahead of Belouizdad clash

Skipper Muguna hands Gor boost ahead of Belouizdad clash

Milton Ochieng Chief writer, Gor Mahia

Gor Mahia have been handed a massive boost ahead of Wednesday’s CAF Champions League return leg against CR Belouizdad of Algeria with skipper Kenneth Muguna set to feature.

The Kenyan international missed the first leg in Algiers in which Gor lost 6-0 to the hosts. However midfielder Ernest Wendo is out of contract and will play no part in tomorrow’s duel while Nicholas Kipkurui has kept the coach guessing after failing to attend any training.

According to stand-in coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo, the inclusion of Muguna in the squad is a big boost to KÓgalo even though the former Gor Mahia defender is aware of the danger posed by the Algerians.

“I am happy Muguna is back and fit for the return leg, but the challenge I am facing is the absence of Nicholas Kipkurui. He has not turned up for training. He will definitely miss the match. Ernest Wendo has also run out of contract and has kept off training,” explained ‘Pamzo’.

The Posta Rangers head coach noted that the absence of Wendo in midfield will be a big blow to his initial plan, saying Wendo played an instrumental role against APR of Rwanda and against CR Belouizdad in the first leg in Algiers.

He also regrets the absence of Kikpkurui who scored the aggregate winner against APR for Gor to advance to this stage.

In the absence of Wendo, ‘Pamzo’ plans to deploy Bertrand Konfor in  midfield alongside Muguna and former Georgia’s FC Kolketi and FC Saburto midfielder John Macharia.

The experienced coach added that he is going for a win regardless.

”What I want from this match is at least three points. I don’t mind the scoreline but I want to avoid being beaten at home,” he explained.

Should the Algerians deny Gor an entry into the money-minting group stage, then a deep analysis will be necessary as to how Gor will ever overcome an Algerian opponent in the future.

In recent times they’ve bowed out at the signt of the north Africas, losing to Hussein Dey, USM Algers, all of Algeria as well as RS Berkane of Morocco.

In the meantime Seychellois referees will be in charge of Wednesday’s crunch tie.

Bernard Hensel Camille will be the centre referee and will be assisted by compatriots Hensley Danny Petrousse (First Assistant Referee), Steve Marie (Second Assistant Referee) and Eldrick Matthieu Adelaide (Fourth Official).

Mzee Zam Ali from Zanzibar will act as the Match Commissioner while Kenyan Dr. Wycliffe Makanga has been appointed Covid-19 Officer.

The match kicks off at 3pm Kenyan time.

Tags:

Kenneth Muguna GOR MAHIA Algeria Ernest Wendo Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo CR Belouizdad

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