Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Neiva has explained why a loss or a win against Al Ahly will not matter for the Football Kenya Federation Premier League giants.

K’Ogalo are in Egypt ahead of the CAF Champions League match against the African giants on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Neiva, whose side lost 3-0 at home ahead of the crucial second-leg duel, feels that the exposure his boys will get is far more important.

“On Saturday, this stadium will be completely full. It is a big show; the Egyptians are crazy about football, and this will also be an amazing opportunity for us and the players to adapt to this level of football.

“Never mind the result; if we qualify or not, this game is still [good], especially for the players to get experience, to expose themselves, and also to show themselves because we have amazing players in Gor Mahia, and maybe later they can get a big proposal,” Neiva said as quoted by a local publication.

The Brazilian tactician conceded that the goals they let in at Nyayo Stadium were a result of mistakes committed.

“The first game we suffered a big defeat in Nairobi, but the goals we conceded were all mistakes. Al Ahly created three goals all from mistakes, and that is why fans and media from Egypt told me that we surprised them a little about the style of football we played with possession and good tempo,” he continued.

Neiva, who is taking charge of his first season in FKF PL, also explained why he thinks the record Champions League giants were surprised by Gor Mahia.

“Also, Al Ahly were surprised because you do not always see Al Ahly sitting back like they did, and even here in Cairo, we can do the same way.

“Remember these players have stayed two years without even an international friendly, and that is why we are using this competition to provide experience on how to approach this kind of level,” he concluded.

Should Gor Mahia shock the Egyptian giants, they will progress to the group stage.