Group Leaders Gor Mahia Wary Of Hussein Dey But Remain Positive

2nd March 2019 - by Louis Kalinga

K'Ogalo have not managed to register an away win in the competition this season, having lost 2-1 to Petro in Luanda and will be facing an Algerian side that is yet to lose at home

Gor Mahia FC coach Hassan Oktay sits on the technical bench in the 1-1 draw against Mathare United FC at the Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, January 6, 2019. PHOTO/DuncanSirma/SPN

SUMMARY

Despite the uphill task that lies ahead for record Kenyan league winners Gor Mahia FC as they prepare to face NA Hussein Dey in Algeria, coach Hassan Oktay remains positive ahead of Sunday’s encounter
Gor left the country yesterday (Friday) ahead of their fourth CAF Confederations Cup group game against the Algerians, before a rematch against Egyptian giants Zamalek a week later

NAIROBI, Kenya- Despite the uphill task that lies ahead for record Kenyan league winners Gor Mahia FC as they prepare to face NA Hussein Dey in Algeria, coach Hassan Oktay remains positive ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

Gor left the country yesterday (Friday) ahead of their fourth CAF Confederations Cup group game against the Algerians, before a rematch against Egyptian giants Zamalek a week later.

The Kenyans sit on top of Group D with six points, two more than second place Petro Atletico de Luanda and Hussein Dey whilst Zamalek are rock bottom with only two points to their name.

Gor are coming off a 1-0 mid-week league win against 2016 SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champions Tusker, barely three days after beating Hussein Dey 2-0 at the Kasarani Stadium, courtesy of goals from Francis Kahata and Jacques Tuyisenge.

“It is going to be a tough game for sure, Hussein Dey are fresh as compared to us. We played on Wednesday against Tusker, twenty minutes with ten men as compared to our hosts who have not played a game after the federation postponed their matches,” Oktay told SportPesa News.

K'Ogalo have not managed to register an away win in the competition this season, having lost 2-1 to Petro in Luanda and will be facing an Algerian side that is yet to lose at home.

The SPL champions will not be travelling back to Nairobi after the acid Algerian test, as they will pitch camp in North Africa before heading to Egypt for a tough test against Zamalek, whom they beat 4-2 at home.

“We will give our best, we want to progress and the only thing we can do is to put up a brave fight. Kenyans should pray for us.

“We need to get at least a point in the two away games. We know playing in North Africa is hard, but I am not worried. I know my boys and I know we can make it,” the Turkish tactician underlined.

If Gor avoid defeat in Algeria, they will remain on top of the standings with their bid for a quarter final slot receiving a massive boost if Petro Atletico and Zamalek draw in the other tie.