Gor Mahia's participation in the Caf Confederations Cup faced a contentious moment during their Group D encounter with Algeria's NA Hussein Dey, as the Kenyan champions claimed a legitimate goal was wrongly disallowed.
The incident occurred in the 59th minute when Ugandan defender Shafiq Batambuze headed in a corner from Francis Kahata. However, Malian referee Kassimou Diabate ruled a foul on Hussein Dey goalkeeper Gayw Merbah, despite televised replays showing Merbah colliding with a teammate. The decision sparked immediate backlash from Gor Mahia supporters, who questioned the officiating's integrity.
The 1-0 loss dropped Gor to second in the group, one point behind Hussein Dey, who secured their second win of the campaign. The Kenyan side now faces a critical challenge against Zamalek in Cairo, needing an away victory to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.
Coach Hassan Oktay opted for Frederick Odhiambo in goal due to the absence of first-choice keeper Boniface Oluoch. While Odhiambo made several key saves, Abderrahmane Yousfi scored the decisive goal in the ninth minute. Gor's path to the knockout stages hinges on a favorable outcome in their final group match against Petro Atletico on March 17.
