Kenyan champions aim to secure CAFCC quarterfinal spot in Algiers

by Bertin Basson

Tuesday Aug 28, 2018. 12:15

Kenyan champions Gor Mahia will have to put their champagne on ice as they set their sights on reaching the 2018 CAF Confederations Cup quarterfinals with a positive result away to USM Alger at the Stade du 5-Juillet-1962 in Algiers on Wednesday evening.

Kick-off is at 15h00pm CAT.

Gor Mahia currently top Group D after five rounds of fixtures, level on eight points with USMA, but with Rayon Sports breathing down their neck - both will need to go all out for victory to be sure of a place in the knockout stages.

The Kenyan giants held their Algerian opponents to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in Nairobi, but will face an inspired unit in Algiers who will be desperate to please their home fans.

Both teams squandered an ideal opportunity to book their place in the knockout stages earlier this month, but lost 2-1 in their respective games against Rayon and Young Africans.

This leaves Rayon in with a chance in their clash against Young Africans in Kigali.

USMA, who reached the CAF Champions League final in 2015, beat Young Africans 4-0 in their first game on home soil, but were held to a 1-1 draw in their most recent clash in Algeria.

Gor Mahia have performed well on their travels, having beaten Young Africans 3-2 in Dar es Salaam and held Rayon to a 1-1 draw in Rwanda back in May.

Referee Bienvenu Sinko of the Ivory Coast will take charge of the clash.