Can Gor maintain form against Angolan giants?

After an amazing start in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederations Cup, Kenyan Champions Gor Mahia will be hoping to pick up a second win in the tournament when they play Angolan giants Atletico Petroleos de Luanda late Wednesday.

K’Ogalo proved they’re worth to be in the tournament when they thrashed Egyptian giants 4-2 in their opening match at Kasarani last week. A brace from Rwandan striker Jacques Tuyisenge and goals from Nicholas Kipkurui and Dennis Oliech assured Gor the victory and a spot on the top of Group D.

However, Gor have traveled to Angola without key strikers Jacques Tuyisenge and Dennis Oliech making the fixture a difficult one as the duo carry Gor’s hopes for finding the back of the net. Oliech failed a late fitness test before departure from the country while Tuyisenge is out on suspension after picking successive yellow cards. Right-back Philemon Otieno will also miss the match due to suspension. Playing against Petro de Luanda which is one of Angola’s biggest clubs, K’Ogalo need not waste any chances and strikers like Oliech are the ‘one chance one goal’ types.

Gor’s form in away matches is wanting with the team having last won an away match in last season’s 3-2 conquest over Tanzania’s Yanga at the group stage of the same competition in Dar es Salaam.

Gor coach, Hassan Otkay is, however, optimistic that his team will emulate a good performance despite missing star duo. Oktay has hailed his team’s performance saying they are now understanding his philosophy and getting better day by day.

“We have to get our away record to match the form we have at home. I believe if we can do that then we will improve as a team and attain our targets,” the Cypriot stated, “the motivation is really improving and the players are now beginning to understand my philosophy. Game by game, we are improving and getting better.”

The Angolan club lost their first Confederation Cup match away at NA Hussein Dey and will be using the home fixture as a chance to redeem themselves. Having lost their last league match by a goal against local rivals C.D Primeiro de Augusto on Saturday, the match is also an opportunity to get back to winning ways and bring back motivation in future matches.

The Kenyan champions are also on a tremendous form in the local league having picked up three successive victories including a  2-0 win in the Mashemeji derby. Despite having started the season at a low, K’ogalo have convincingly improved their form and are currently 2nd in the table challenging for a third successive Kenya Premier League trophy.