Gor foresee hostility in Algiers as Hussein Dey rematch looms

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions  Gor Mahia  are  wary of cold reception in Algeria when they take on NA Hussein Dey in a CAF Confederation match  set for Sunday, club First Vice Chairman John Pesa has said.

K’Ogalo who are fresh from hammering the Algerians 2-0 in the first leg last weekend at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, will jet out on Friday for the return leg, seeking to secure at least a point to keep their hopes of making it to the last eight.

Pesa on Tuesday told Citizen Digital the team is keen to avoid any psychological or physical disruption, before and after the match that could affect them negatively.

‘’Our opponents who commanded Group D before last Sunday must be unhappy with the defeat they suffered here in Nairobi, and may want to mistreat us. We are not taking chances and must leave Algeria the following morning either for Nairobi or Cairo.

The first leg at Kasarani had ugly incidents with NA Hussein Dey player Chems Harrag being red carded for bitterly protesting the referee’s decision to allow Francis Kahata’s first goal, having earlier on seen yellow card.

Algerian players thereafter invaded the Gor Mahia technical bench zone to protest the red card decision and the game had to be stopped for a while.

“They (Hussein Dey) even warned us during the standoff at Kasarani to expect to see their true selves while in Algiers. That leaves a lot to be desired, having seen past experiences with North African teams,’’explained Pesa who added that Egypt would be a safer place to camp as compared to Algiers.

The return match will be played at Stade 5 Juillet 1962 ground in Algiers and Gor Mahia are expected to feel the pitch on Saturday before Sunday kick off.

‘’We are in talks with our Embassy in Cairo and should we secure affordable accommodation from Monday March 4 to Saturday March 9, then we shall camp in Alexandria”.

Gor Mahia FC players Jacques Tuyisenge (down) celebrates Franics Mustapha his goal with teammate during their CAF Confederation cup match at Kasarani stadium on February 24,2019.Gor Mahia FC Won 2-0 Photo/Kelly Ayodi/Sportpicha

Gor went top of the group with six points with Angola’s Petro Atletico and NA Hussein Dey tied on four points. Egyptian giants Zamalek trail the group with two points from possible nine, having managed only two draws.

Last season, Gor could cruise beyond group stage after a 2-1 loss to USM Alger of Algeria at the same venue they are scheduled to face Hussein Dey.

Notable inclusion in the return leg will be defender Joash Onyango who missed the first leg due to one match ban for accruing two back to back yellow cards in this competition.