Gor Mahia forward Benson Omala has blamed stadium floodlights for their 1-0 loss to Zambia’s Red Arrows in their opening match at the Chamazi Complex in Dar es Salaam.

K’Ogalo fell to a 1-0 loss courtesy of a goal scored by James Chamanga in a game that started at 9:00 pm. Omala, the 2023/24 Football Kenya Federation Premier League top scorer, said his teammates are not used to playing under floodlights, and that is part of the reason they lost.

“I have previously played under the floodlights. The boys tried their best, despite the conditions. There are those who were playing in such conditions for the first time. They will certainly get used to it,” Omala said, as quoted by a local publication.

The Kenyan giants and champions are operating under a new coach, Leonardo Neiva, after Johnathan McKinstry left at the end of the season. Omala believes that the team will become a stronger unit as they gel under the Brazilian coach.

“We have a new coach, and we are still learning his ways. We have new faces who are trying to blend in. The tournament is part of our pre-season preparations,” the former Kisumu Day School added.

Hopeful Omala, Neiva

Omala is hopeful that Gor Mahia, third in a group that also has Al Hilal of Sudan and Djibouti Tele, will get a win in their next match.

“It wasn’t the start we anticipated, but I am hoping that we will right the wrongs in the next game,” Omala continued.

On his part, coach Neiva promised to make changes after losing his first game in charge of the Kenyan record giants.

“This was my first match in charge since I joined the team, and there are things that I have to try and change and improve as well,” Neiva told CecafaOnline.

Both Al Hilal and Arrows have three points after their opening victories, while Gor Mahia and Tele are still searching for their maiden points.

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