Gad Mathews included in Gor Mahia's squad for Champions League return leg

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Gad Mathews included in Gor Mahia’s squad for Champions League return leg

Thursday, September 19, 2024
6:07 pm

Amanga Collins

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Gor Mahia FC goalkeeper Gad Mathews has been included in the travelling squad for the CAF Champions League second-leg match after missing the opening round away fixture.

Mathews, who lost his starting position to FKF Premier League Golden Glove winner Kevin Omondi at the start of the season, has struggled for game time.

Gor Mahia’s absence

He was absent during Gor Mahia’s 3-0 first-leg defeat to Al Ahly but has now been named in the squad as the team prepares for the crucial second leg.

Gad Mathews Gor Mahia fc Golie calm down during CAF Match past APR of Rwanda-David Ndolo — Gad Mathews Gor Mahia fc Golie calm down during CAF Match past APR of Rwanda. PHOTO/David Ndolo

Head coach Leonardo Neiva has also included Bryson Wangai in the squad as Gor Mahia aim to overturn the first-leg result.

The team arrived safely in Cairo ahead of their second preliminary round second-leg match against 12-time African champions Al Ahly SC, set to take place at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.

Gor Mahia had entered the first leg with hopes of overcoming their Egyptian rivals, but they were outclassed in a 3-0 loss at Nyayo Stadium. Al Ahly took control early, with Rami Rabia scoring just four minutes into the match.

Percy Tau added a brace, netting in the 15th and 74th minutes, sealing a commanding victory for the visitors.

Reflecting on the defeat, coach Neiva admitted that his side had been beaten by a superior team. He pointed to stage fright as a possible factor in Gor Mahia’s disappointing performance, as the Kenyan side struggled to match their tactically adept opponents on both sides of the interval.

Despite being spurred on by a passionate home crowd at Nyayo Stadium, Gor Mahia’s defence crumbled, allowing the visitors to take a comfortable lead early on.

Gor Mahia FC lifting the FKF Premier title last season on June 23, 2024. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/fkfpremierleague

The result leaves Gor Mahia in a difficult position, needing a minimum of a 3-0 win in the rematch in Cairo to keep their hopes of advancing to the group stage alive.