Gor Mahia fell to a 1-0 defeat to their CAF Champions League preliminary rivals El Merreikh FC in a match played at Juba Stadium on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

Mohamed Musa scored the goal that handed South Sudan’s outfit a first-leg slim victory as they stunned the Kenyan record Premier League champions.

As the game began, K’Ogalo looked a more threatening side and came close to breaking the deadlock in the opening minutes through new signing Enock Morrison.

Morrison saw his demands for a penalty dismissed, and minutes later Levin Odhiambo got a chance to score but sent his effort wide.

The Kenyan giants won a corner in the 27th minute, and although the initial delivery did not pose any danger, Alpha Onyango could have scored from a rebound. He managed to get the ball well but headed it wide.

The home goalkeeper played a crucial role at the hour mark when he stopped a well-taken shot by Onyango, denying Gor Mahia a chance to take the lead.

Despite facing a lot of pressure, threats, and attacks from Gor Mahia, the Juba outfit finally scored in the 67th minute. A defensive error from the Kenyan heavyweights gave El Merreikh a perfect chance to score through Mohammed Musa.

Shariff Musa came close to equalising for the visitors, but the forward, signed last season, headed over the bar from close range. There was another chance wasted by the new signing from Nairobi City Stars, Samuel Kapen, in the last minute of the game.

Police frustrated

Meanwhile, Police FC were held to a 0-0 draw by Coffee FC from Ethiopia in a Confederation Cup match played at Nyayo Stadium.

Police were making their continental debut and ended up registering a goalless draw at home. They, however, suffered an injury in the 15th minute when Brian Musa was stretchered off and was replaced by Charles Ouma.

The visitors had their most open chance come through Anteneh Beyene in the first half, which was wasted while the home side could have broken the deadlock through Erick Zakayo and Tyson Otieno.