In Juba, South Sudan
Kenyan giants Gor Mahia will be making their return to the continental scene for the first time since 2021 when they face South Sudan’s Al Merreikh Bentiu in the first leg of their First Preliminary Round match in the 24/25 CAF Champions League on Sunday 18 August at the Juba Stadium.
K’Ogalo booked their ticket back to the prestigious stage after winning the 23/24 Football Kenya Federation Premier League title for a record-extending 21st time and will hope to give a good account of themselves when they play the away match.
SportPesa Blog trailed the team to South Sudan and can report on the team’s predicted lineup.
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Goalkeeper – Kevin Omondi
Omondi goes into the match as the first-choice goalkeeper and will be eager to showcase why he won the Golden Glove in the 23/24 league campaign after managing 21 clean sheets. This is also set to be his continental debut.
Right back – Paul Ochuoga
The budding youngster could start in front of the experienced Philemon Otieno, who is also the team captain, in the absence of preferred starter Ronney Onyango who was not included in the trip to South Sudan.
Left back – Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng
The combative Simiti is expected to lead K’Ogalo in their first competitive assignment in the 24/25 season from his left-back position.
Centre back pairing – Sylvester Owino and Joshua Onyango
Since Leo Neiva was appointed Gor head coach at the start of July, the duo of Owino and Onyango have featured largely in the five preseason matches and that is not expected to change against Al Merreikh.
Central Midfield – Alphonse Omija and Alpha Onyango
Omija is a new Gor signing who joined the club ahead of the 24/25 campaign from Oman outfit Dhofar.
The Harambee Stars international, primarily used in the defensive positions, is expected to be deployed in midfield.
He is expected to play a pivot alongside Alpha Onyango.
Attacking midfield – Enoch Morrison
The Ghanaian midfielder, who joined the club in July, is expected to get the nod ahead of Austin Odhiambo who just resumed training at the club.
Austin’s return is a big boost considering he was crowned the Most Valuable Player in the 23/24 campaign and he is expected to get a taste of the action at some point in the match.
Right wing – Boniface Omondi
Nicknamed Bajaj owing to his speed, the diminutive attacker is expected to occupy the right side of the attack and provide experience on the big stage. This is however a close call with Shariff Musa also a strong candidate.
Left wing – Levin Odhiambo
The former Tusker man will be on the left flank and is expected to be a good option on the set-piece duties.
Striker – Chris Ochieng
23/24 Golden Boot winner Benson Omalla would have been the preferred starter for this match. But following his transfer to Lebanon, Chris Ochieng is likely to get the nod ahead of DRC international Gideon Bendeka also signed ahead of the new season.
Gor Mahia predicted XI
Kevin Omondi (GK), Paul Ochuoga, Sylvester Owino, Joshua Onyango, Geoffrey Ochieng, Alpha Onyango, Alphonse Omija, Enoch Morrison, Chris Ochieng, Boniface Omondi, Levin Onyango
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