Gor Mahia Coach Shares Concerns Over Potential Clash with Al Ahly in CAF Champions League
Gor Mahia coach Leonardo Martins Neiva has expressed his concerns about the challenging CAF Champions League draw, which could see his team potentially face the defending champions, Al Ahly.
Neiva believes that his side faces a tough challenge against the Egyptian giants if they progress past the first preliminary round. Gor Mahia, also known as K’Ogalo, will first face El Merreikh FC Bentiu of South Sudan. Should they emerge victorious, they will then meet Al Ahly in the second round.
The prospect of facing Al Ahly is a daunting one for Neiva, given the Egyptian team’s quality and history. However, he hopes that his young squad can gain valuable experience from such high-level matches. “I hope we can advance and face Al Ahly of Egypt, a powerhouse in African football. They are the favorites,” Neiva stated in Dar es Salaam, where Gor Mahia is currently participating in the Kagame Cup.
Neiva highlighted the significance of international competitions for Gor Mahia, who have not participated in tournaments like the CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup for three years. “It is crucial to expose our players, especially our young squad, to higher levels of continental football,” he added.
The Brazilian coach sees the Kagame Cup as an opportunity to provide some of this much-needed exposure. He also plans to observe El Merreikh FC Bentiu during the competition in Tanzania to better prepare for the upcoming challenge. “Tomorrow, we will watch the game [El Merreikh FC Bentiu] in the Kagame Cup as part of our preparations,”.
