NAIROBI, Kenya, March 9- Gor Mahia will be going for early goals as they take on Ferraviaro de Maputo in the second leg of their CAF Confederations Cup tie at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
K’Ogalo go into the match with a 3-0 goal deficit from the first leg in Maputo in what will be the first game in charge for newly appointed interim coach, John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla.
“After the result in Maputo, we have fine-tuned our defence and will be going for two quick goals in the first half to forestall the attacks from the Mozambicans since a single goal from them will dent our hopes further,” a determined Ogolla told Capital Sports on Friday.
The veteran tactician, who was a former defender for the side, was called in as a result of the disbandment of the previous technical bench led by Cameroonian Anaba Awono following a disappointing spell of losses since the beginning of the season.
It will be a baptism of fire for the veteran who has been at the helm of the squad for barely a week and is expected to team up with Team manager Tom Ogweno during the must win encounter.
Many football fans across the country will be keenly watching the developments on Saturday after the surprise exit of the former Awono led technical bench.
Speaking after conducting his final training at Nyayo, Ogolla stressed that the team is ready for their opponents as evident during their lively sessions at the venue.
Beaming with confidence Gor will be banking on their reliable huge fan base as they seek to overturn their first leg loss in Maputo.
Captain Jerim Onyango led the call for moral support.
“Since this is a continental tie, I’m urging football fans from all Kenyan Premier League teams to come to the stadium in their numbers to offer the much needed home ground support,” the skipper said.
He is of the view that anything is possible in the world of football.
“If we are able to slot in early goals and defend well, then we will have a chance to register a win for our fans, I believe we won’t let them down.”
Onyango is optimistic that the team will rise above the shadows of the sudden change of guard earlier in the week.
“As a team, we are all aware that the technical team may change from time to time, we have blended in with Bobby who we have lots of respect for and our training sessions have been so proactive.”
Gor will be missing the services of injured midfielder Kevin Ochieng and goal keeper Ivan Mapunda as they welcome back striker Edwin Lavasta, George Midenyo and Ibrahim Kitawi.
Speaking to Capital Sports, Gor Secretary General George Bwana said that tickets for the game will be on sale from Friday afternoon at various Ticket Masters outlets across the city.
He echoed the need for the fans to rally behind the team saying, “Am calling upon all Gor fans to remember the team spirit and turn up for the match like they always do to help keep our hopes of progression in this continental event alive.”
Their opponents Ferroviario are expected in the country this evening for the match that kicks off at 4pm Kenyan time.
– By Tony Kariuki
