'Let them come'—Gor Mahia defender Simiti dares Al Ahly ahead of CAF Champions League tie

'Let them come'—Gor Mahia defender Simiti dares Al Ahly ahead of CAF Champions League tie

Festus Chuma 14:00 - 30.08.2024

K’Ogalo vice captain Geoffrey Ochieng readies for a pivotal CAF Champions League clash against record African champions Al Ahly.

Gor Mahia defender Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng has issued a bold proclamation as his team prepares to face the Egyptian football powerhouse Al Ahly in the forthcoming CAF Champions League encounter.

The match, poised to be a gripping face-off in the second preliminary round, will significantly influence both teams' aspirations to advance to the group stages of Africa’s most prestigious club competition.

The stage is set following Gor Mahia's commanding performance against South Sudanese club El Merreikh Bentiu, where they triumphed 5-2 on aggregate.

The Kenyan champions showcased their offensive prowess in a spectacular 5-1 second-leg victory after an initial 1-0 setback in Juba.

This robust display has set the tone for their upcoming challenge against the reigning champions Al Ahly.

“Al Ahly is a big team and Gor Mahia is also a big team so it is just a matter of who will use his chances well," Ochieng stated, as reported by Mozzart Sports.

He added, "Even if they are on a different level having won this competition, but on this tie, we are the same, that is why they are also competing against other teams.”

Nicknamed 'Simiti' by the K’Ogalo faithful for his robust style of play, Ochieng’s role is pivotal in both the defense and morale of the team.

His leadership and performance will be critical as Gor Mahia confronts an opponent renowned for their tactical acumen and historical dominance in the tournament.

Under the guidance of their new Brazilian head coach, Leonardo Neiva, Gor Mahia is undergoing a significant transformation.

Neiva is at the helm of instilling a new philosophy and style of play, which seems to be resonating well with the players as they gear up for their continental campaign.

“The team is still adapting to the new tactics and philosophy our coach is bringing. We are learning and improving every day,” revealed Ochieng in a separate interview.

Gor Mahia is set to host the first leg of the encounter on Sunday, September 15, with the return leg scheduled at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo a week later.

This match sequence presents K’Ogalo with an opportunity to set a strong precedent at home before heading to Egypt where they will face a notoriously challenging away crowd.