This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
Kenyan champions Gor Mahia were scheduled to fly out of Nairobi for Algeria on Friday night for their Caf Champions League first round, first leg match against USM Alger. The match will be played at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida from 10.45pm Kenyan time on Sunday.
Initially, the team was unable to secure funds for air tickets and other expenses, but the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts provided 18 tickets on Friday afternoon. The team is scheduled to arrive in Blida barely 24 hours to the match.
Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack expressed confidence in the team's chances, saying, 'We are going to Algeria and that is what matters. Nothing is ever perfect and at times we have no control over certain circumstances. We arrive in good time for the players to rest and finalise preparations and I am optimistic we will do well.'
Polack emphasized that the team's goal is not just to represent the club, but also the fans and Kenya in general, and therefore, they have to do their best.
Despite a previous draw with USM Alger at the group stage of last year's Champions League, Polack believes that history will count for nothing this time. He added, 'I don't like looking at history in football because game situations are very different. Of course, we have checked several videos and know what to expect. We know their strengths and weaknesses and therefore have a game plan that I hope will work.'
The return leg will be at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi on September 29.
