Gor Mahia coach: Zamalek the biggest threat in our group

Gor Mahia players

Thursday Jan 24, 2019. 15:00

Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay has identified Zamalek as the biggest threat in their CAF Confederation Cup group.

The Kenyans started out the 2018/19 CAF club campaign in the Champions League – they defeated Malawi’s Nyasa Big Bullets on penalties in the preliminary round, before falling on away goals to Nigeria’s Lobi Stars in the first round.

Gor then ‘dropped’ into the playoff round of the Confederation Cup, where they overcome Cameroon’s New Star de Douala 2-1 on aggregate to secure a place in the group stage.

The Nairobi club was then drawn in Group D alongside Algeria’s NA Hussein Dey, Petro de Luanda of Angola and Zamalek.

“The pool is fair according to me but I think Zamalek will give us trouble,” explained Oktay.

“I will consult my Egyptian friends who handle some top teams there and come up with the best tactical approach to cruise past them. We stand a chance of making to the quarters.”

The Gor Mahia coach also heaped praise on defensive duo Cercidy Okeyo and Ernest Wendo, who played a key role in securing a goalless draw in Cameroon in the second leg of their playoff tie.

“I had to pair Wendo and Okeyo to block our opponents from constantly reaching out final third,” he explained.

“They combined well and helped our defence which you all know was dealt a blow by the suspension of Harun Shakava and Joash Onyango. I was impressed with the team’s fighting spirit and the dedication to achieve our target.”

Gor Mahia will open their Group D campaign at home to Zamalek next weekend.