Mighty Gor tackle Esperance

PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU Some members of the Tunisian side Esperance Sportive de Tunis team on arrival at JKIA February 27, 2014 for their African Champions League match against Gor Mahia set for March 1, 2014.   NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• “History is nothing. It won’t count for much, football will be played on the pitch come Saturday (today) where we have a good chance of defeating them,” Esperance’s Ghanian

By David Kwalimwa
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Gor Mahia will be out to stop north African dominance over Kenyan clubs when they take on Tunisia’s Esperance in the first round match of the 2014 Caf Champions League at Nyayo National Stadium Saturday.

This first leg match is slated to kick off at 4pm.

The north African team arrived on Thursday evening but not before letting everybody know of their presence.

From rejecting already booked facilities by their hosts to talking big about their expectations, even Jose Mourinho, coach of English Premier League giants Chelsea would have been impressed by the mind games employed by the two-time Africa champions upon arrival.

Banking on experience
“I am certain our experience over the years will prove vital during this game,” Esperance coach Ruud Krol told journalists at the Airport.

Kenyan teams like Ulinzi Stars, Nzoia Sugar, Mathare United and AFC Leopards would rather not discuss their nasty experiences at the hands of North African teams. Gor will take to the pitch hoping to achieve the success of 1987 when a 3-3 aggregate result against today’s opponents proved adequate for K’Ogalo to clinch the African Cup winners Cup (Mandela Cup) title.

Aggregate win

But the Tunisians are eager to pour cold water on this feat.
“History is nothing. It won’t count for much, football will be played on the pitch come Saturday (today) where we have a good chance of defeating them,” Esperance’s Ghanian forward Harrison Afful said Friday.

Gor will be buoyed by the team’s impressive form in the Kenyan Premier League.

The league champions have won their two games of the league this season and an aggregate win over Gabon club US Bitam in the preliminary round of this competition.

The Kenyan champions will, however, have to negotiate this tie without the services of dependable defender David “Calabar” Owino who was suspended in the second leg in Gabon two weeks ago.

First-choice custodian and team captain Jeremy Onyango who has earned plaudits in sections of the Tunisian press for his heroics in the defeat over Bitam is expected to shake off a shoulder injury to start.

Ugandan defender Israel Emuge will replace the dependable Owino.

Dan Sserunkuma is expected lead the attack, with compatriots Godfrey Walusimbi and Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito alongside Kenyan internationals Teddy Akumu , George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo, Rama Salim and Patrick Oboya expected to play key roles in this contest.

Gor ready for Esperance
“We prepared for this matche just like any other tie. The players are confident after raking in points in recent matches, and the impressive result in Gabon. We expect to continue the same in this match,” Gor coach Bobby Williamson predicted.

Gor have however been warned against making mistakes against their highly-ranked opponents.
“Esperance will be out to defend, especially in the first-half, and try to pinpoint several aspects of Gor’s play.

“In the second-half, they will most likely opt for time-wasting, and waiting to pounce on any slightest mistake,” former Kenyan international Frankline Obare who scored for Tusker during a 2-1 win over Esperance at Kasarani in 2001 said.

“Gor need an early goal, especially in the first half. They should win without conceding,” Obare, who now coaches Nationwide side Wazito FC, pointed out.

Match tickets are retailing at Sh1000 (main stand) and Sh200 (terraces) at several Wells Fargo outlets in the city.