Benson Omala reacts to Gor Mahia's tough Champions League Preliminary route with Egyptian giants Al Ahly potentially awaiting them

Photo: Gor Mahia

Benson Omala reacts to Gor Mahia's tough Champions League Preliminary route with Egyptian giants Al Ahly potentially awaiting them

Mark Kinyanjui 14:30 - 12.07.2024

Gor Mahia have been given a tough preliminary route to the group stages of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League campaign, with Egyptian giants Al Ahly awaiting them should they overcome Al Merreikh.

Gor Mahia, Kenya's most celebrated football club, is gearing up for its return to the CAF Champions League for the first time since 2019. 

After a hiatus caused by a blend of on-field and off-field challenges, K’Ogalo is set to make a significant comeback in the prestigious African tournament.

 The team's journey, however, is fraught with formidable challenges as they prepare to face Sudanese giants Al Merreikh and, subsequently, record Champions League holders Al Ahly should they beat Merreikh.

Benson Omala, the talented striker for Gor Mahia, recently shared his insights on the club's approach to the competition and the strategies required for a successful campaign.

 Speaking after their loss to Red Arrows in their opening match of the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2024 in Dar Es Salaam, Omala emphasized the importance of the Champions League for Gor Mahia as they strive to reestablish themselves as a dominant force in African football.

“As a player, you want to play at the highest level. We won the league which earned us a chance to play at the highest level,” Omala stated.

 “In Africa, that is the highest caliber of competition that you can ever play. That is the highest level you can play in Africa, so it would mean a lot.”

Acknowledging the tough road ahead, Omala stressed that while they respect their opponents, Gor Mahia is determined to demonstrate their worth on the continental stage. 

“It is a good team in Africa. We are just returning to our best and we want to build a team that will be playing in the Champions League on a consistent basis. It will be a good experience to play against the best and I am sure everyone wants to give their best,” he said.

Reflecting on their recent performance against Red Arrows, Omala highlighted the critical steps Gor Mahia must take to progress in the CECAFA Kagame Cup and build momentum for the Champions League.

 “We have to win our remaining games if we want to stay in the tournament. We have to give our best and stay in the tournament. If we win all our remaining games, it will give us a good platform,” Omala explained.

Gor Mahia's next matches in the CECAFA Kagame Cup will see them face Ali Sabieh and Al Hilal, encounters that will test their resolve and readiness for the continental challenge.