Gor Mahia’s CAF Champions League Exit Exposes Internal Challenges Under Coach Leonardo Neiva as Focus Shifts to Domestic Success
Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Neiva has admitted that his team’s humiliating exit from the CAF Champions League at the hands of reigning champions Al Ahly was not entirely unexpected.
In his first continental campaign with the Kenyan giants, Neiva saw his side suffer a 3-0 defeat in the return leg in Cairo on Saturday, September 21st, leading to a crushing 6-0 aggregate loss.
Following the defeat, Neiva gave an honest assessment of the massive gap in quality between Gor Mahia and the Egyptian powerhouse. Speaking after the match, the Brazilian coach acknowledged the challenge his team faced.
“We (Gor Mahia) must be humble and accept that Al Ahly is on another level in everything: financial resources, facilities, training centers, stadium, and they play in a very strong league,” Neiva stated, as quoted by Flashscore.
Al Ahly’s dominance was evident, but Neiva believes it is crucial for Gor Mahia to acknowledge their current limitations and plan for future growth.
“Honestly, you cannot compare Gor Mahia to Al Ahly, but with proper planning, we may see Gor Mahia reach a similar level in the near future,” he said. Despite the defeat, Neiva praised his players for showing improvement from the first leg, particularly in their focus and discipline during the match in Cairo.
“The game was good for sure, a tough game for us, but we managed the first 20 to 25 minutes well,” Neiva explained.
“They scored from set pieces, where they are very strong, and we were not alert enough to handle their crosses.”
While defensive lapses in set-piece situations contributed to Gor Mahia’s downfall, Neiva commended his team’s effort.
“We played with more concentration and focus than in the first leg,” Neiva said.
“Overall, it was an amazing opportunity to give our players international experience and exposure, and to learn how to approach this level of football.”
However, Gor Mahia’s exit from the Champions League has been overshadowed by reports of internal discord within the squad.
Defender Rooney Onyango, a rising star who was part of Kenya’s national team for the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, was left out of the matchday squad due to disciplinary issues. This followed a reported fallout between Onyango and coach Neiva in the lead-up to the crucial second leg.
The 24-year-old Onyango, who had displaced club captain Philemon Otieno with his standout performances, was not the only player reportedly unhappy with Neiva’s leadership.
“Word within the club suggests that some players have been unhappy with coach Neiva for his authoritarian approach,” reported the Daily Nation. Midfielder Austin Odhiambo, last season’s Most Valuable Player in the Kenyan league, has also had a confrontation with the coach.
Despite these internal challenges, Neiva is now shifting his focus to the domestic league, as Gor Mahia aim for a third consecutive Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title.
“For now, our plan is to recover from these two tough games and ensure we carry this energy, effort, and level into the Premier League,” Neiva stated.
“We must carry this commitment into trying to win our first game of the Premier League.”
Gor Mahia’s delayed FKF Premier League campaign kicks off on Saturday, September 28th, with a match against newly promoted Mathare United, who are yet to win a game this season.
K’Ogalo’s first two league matches were postponed to allow them more time to prepare for their ill-fated Champions League campaign.
Neiva now faces the challenge of regrouping his squad amidst internal tensions as they attempt to find success domestically following their continental disappointment.
