[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he road to Caf Confederation Cup group stage was not a smooth one to Kenya premier league champions – Gor Mahia who begun the campaign playing in the Caf Champions league qualification preliminary knock out stage.
Caf Champions League qualifies
K’Ogalo edged out Leones Vegetarianos of Guinea 3-1 on aggregate to book a place in the second round – qualification fixture against Esperance.
Gor bowed out of Caf Champions League after going down 1-0 on aggregate to Esperance of Tunisia in the second round qualification match – a result that meant that Kenya premier league champions were automatically relegated to Caf Confederation Cup play-offs for a chance to join group stage of the same tournament.
Esperance won return leg fixture in Tunis by a solitary goal in a match that was marred with violence and hooliganism against Gor.
Unlike in 2014 in the same competition and same stage where Esperance walloped Gor 5 – 0, this time they met a rejuvenated and a much stronger Gor side with a lot of composure and energy with clear intent to win.
Confederation Cup group stage qualification
Gor Mahia were drawn against South African side – SuperSport United, in the Caf Confederation Cup play-offs with first leg match being played in Machakos, Kenya.
The reigning Kenyan Premier League champions edged out 2017 Caf Confederation Cup finalists – SuperSport United on away goal rule to make it to the 2018 group stage after a two all aggregate result.
Gor Mahia won first leg fixture 1-0 and lost return leg 2-1.
Gor was last in this stage of continental competition 31 years ago when they went all the way to lift the trophy and head coach Dylan Kerr played an instrumental role in leading his charges to this milestone.
“I said to the players, let’s start a new chapter. We’ve had the history more than 30 years ago. We needed this, Kenya football needed this, Kenyan sports needed this. I said to the players before the game that if they score – we need to react,” Kerr said.
Gor’s star is shining and the biggest question is – will history repeat itself? It’s await and see.
Gor Mahia Caf Confed group fixtures
Rayon Sports vs Gor Mahia – 6/05/18 2018(Away)
Gor Mahia vs USM Algiers – 15/05/18(Home)
Gor Mahia vs Yanga – 18/07/18(Home)
Yanga vs Gor Mahia – 29/07/18(Away)
Gor Mahia vs Rayon Sports – 19/08/18(Home)
USM Algiers vs Gor Mahia – 29/08/18(Away)