The Kenyan champions will hope to get a positive result in the first leg of their Caf Confederation Cup quarter-final
Gor Mahia will host Renaissance Sportive Berkane of Morocco in a Caf Confederation Cup quarter-final first leg at the Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.
A win for Gor Mahia will increase the team’s chances of advancing to the semi-finals for the first time in in the club’s history.
The Moroccan side has already impressed in their debut season and arguably have nothing to lose at this stage of the competition. But again, they will give absolutely everything to progress to the semi-finals.
This is a great chance for Gor Mahia to progress to the semi-finals, but they will have to do play the first leg without the services of key players – Shaffik Batambuze, captain Harun Shakava, Earnest Wendo, and Jacques Tuyisenge – who are suspended. Coach Hassan Oktay is also barred from accessing the technical area.
So what should Gor Mahia do to get a convincing win on Sunday?
Make use of the wings
Seven of the eight goals scored by Gor Mahia have come from the wings, with six directly coming from the wingers.
Nicholas Kipkirui has found the back of the net twice, Francis Kahata scored once and assisted three, while Boniface Omondi assisted once and created the winner against Petro Atletico of Angola when he was fouled in the danger zone and Tuyisenge converted the penalty.
Gor Mahia’s strength is in the flanks and they have to fully capitalise on it to have a chance of getting goals.
Defend well as a team
Apart from the two goals conceded against Zamalek, Gor Mahia is yet to give away another goal at home in continental competition this season. Since 2013, Gor Mahia has conceded just five goals in ten home games.
In that time, Gor Mahia has kept seven clean sheets while conceding in just three games; a strong statement for the visitors.
Keeping a clean will be vitally important because, at the end of the day, the away goal rule counts. Shutting the fast RS Berkane wingers will be the key.
Midfielders should step up
Article continues below
Of the midfielders, only Kenneth Muguna has been involved in creating a goal for Gor Mahia.
The former Western Stima player and MVP for the 2017 season, provided an assist in the 2-1 defeat to Petro Atletico in Angola.
Moreis needed from the likes of Lawrence Juma and Nicholas Kipkirui; they have to create goals from the midfield to help the team win. By doing so, the team will rely less on their wingers and will become less predictable in the process.
