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Gor Mahia may face a less formidable Al Ahly due to key player departures and internal team challenges.
Gor Mahia are gearing up for what could be one of their most pivotal matches in the CAF Champions League but the team they face may not be the Al Ahly giant of past years.
The upcoming encounter set for mid-September is drawing considerable attention not just because of the fierce competition but due to the current transition phase within the Al Ahly squad.
Recent developments have seen Al Ahly lose some key players potentially tipping the balance in favor of Gor Mahia.
Al Ahly’s midfield maestro, Malian Aliou Dieng, who has been integral to the team’s structure with his defensive skills and precise passing, has moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood on a season-long loan.
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Dieng’s departure is a significant blow as he has been central to Al Ahly’s strategy since his arrival in 2019 from MC Algiers.
During his tenure with Al Ahly, Dieng notched up 264 appearances across all competitions contributing to the team’s success with eight goals and 12 assists.
His influence was instrumental in securing three Egyptian Premier League titles, three Egyptian Cups, and four CAF Champions League trophies.
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His absence in the midfield creates a gap that might not be easily filled, especially with the timings of upcoming matches.
Moreover, the Red Devils are potentially facing another significant loss with Ahmed Nabil Kouka, another midfield dynamo, under the radar of Portuguese club Rio Ave.
Kouka, just 23, shone at the Paris Olympics and has been vital for Al Ahly’s recent successes including a bronze medal at the Club World Cup.
To compound the issue, South African international Percy Tau is also on the verge of an exit.
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After a reported fallout with head coach Marcel Koller, Tau has been deemed surplus to requirements.
Despite having a year left on his contract, Tau’s departure could be imminent, especially with interest from South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs.
These potential exits are notable because they represent a draining of experienced, first-team regulars from a squad that not only aims to defend its CAF title but also to perform on multiple fronts including the domestic league and international competitions.
The timing is particularly challenging as the first leg of their clash against Gor Mahia looms on the horizon, scheduled between 13-15 September in Kenya, followed by a return leg in Cairo a week later.
This transition period for Al Ahly could be an opportune moment for Gor Mahia.
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K'Ogalo might face an Al Ahly team that is still trying to find its rhythm with potentially new or less experienced players stepping into roles previously filled by seasoned veterans.
This could disrupt the cohesion and fluidity that Al Ahly is known for, giving Gor Mahia a crucial edge.
Facing a possibly weakened Al Ahly could boost their confidence, giving them a psychological advantage.
K'Ogalo will be looking to exploit any lack of familiarity in Al Ahly’s adjusted lineup potentially leveraging it to control the midfield battle and create scoring opportunities.
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