Gor Mahia FC head coach Leo Neiva expressed satisfaction with his team’s 5-1 victory over El Merreikh of South Sudan but acknowledged that there is still room for improvement.

Neiva noted that while big wins can sometimes mask underlying issues, his side managed the first half effectively.

Gor Mahia coach observation

However, he observed that in the second half, El Merreikh gained control of the game. Despite this, Gor Mahia demonstrated resilience, coming from behind after initially conceding, similar to the comeback they watched Manchester City achieve against Ipswich.

“We are very satisfied, but a big win can cover mistakes. We have a lot to work on. We managed the first half well, but in the last 50 minutes, they controlled the game, and we scored two goals on the counter-attack. Our tactic was to avoid conceding and to score all the goals. They scored first, but I spoke to the players, and we watched Manchester City come from behind during our camp. Gor Mahia also showed they are capable of coming back and are very strong,” Neiva told Gor Mahia TV.

Looking ahead, Neiva and Gor Mahia are preparing for their upcoming match against Al Ahly, which he described as the “Real Madrid of Africa.”

“Gor Mahia has shown that they are capable and strong. We now face the giants of Africa, who are like the Real Madrid of Africa. We must prepare thoroughly for them. Everyone knows they are the favorites, but football is unpredictable,” Neiva added.

Gor Mahia confirmed their CAF Champions League date with the Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly after defeating El Merreikh 5-2 on aggregate. The decisive match took place on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Nyayo Stadium.

Despite losing the first leg in Juba a week earlier, Gor Mahia reversed the deficit with a strong performance at home. They found themselves in a challenging position after conceding first but rallied with goals from Chris Ochieng, Alpha Onyango, Alphonce Omija, and a brace from Rooney Onyango.

Ochieng equalized for Gor Mahia, who had fallen behind in the sixth minute, with a brilliant volley following a pass from Austin Odhiambo. Onyango then gave Gor Mahia the lead with a goal from a pass by Paul Ochuoga. Four minutes past the half-hour mark, Omija scored the third goal with a header from a corner kick.

Gor Mahia goal

In the second half, Gor Mahia remained dominant. Rooney Onyango came close to adding another goal at the hour mark but hit the side netting after a precise pass from Odhiambo.

Neiva made strategic substitutions, bringing on Samuel Kapen and Boniface Omondi for Sharif Musa and Chris Ochieng with 25 minutes remaining. Kapen’s involvement led to a goal scored by Rooney Onyango shortly after his introduction.

With their fighting spirit on display, Gor Mahia is now set to face Al Ahly, a match that will be crucial for their Champions League prospects this season.