This archive report was first published on 15 September 2019.
On Sunday night, Gor Mahia will face off against USM Alger in a first-round Caf Champions League tie at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida, Algeria. The match comes amidst off-pitch issues from both sides, with Gor Mahia struggling to secure air tickets to Algeria and USM Alger facing financial challenges after the club president's bank accounts were frozen over alleged corruption.
Published on September 15, 2019, the two teams met last year at the group stage of the Confederation Cup, with the first leg in Nairobi ending in a barren draw and USM Alger winning 2-1 at home.
Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack is eager to guide the team into the group stage but is wary of the threat USM Alger pose at home. “I know they beat us last year but history counts for nothing in modern football. We will fight hard and ensure we come back to Kenya with a positive result. However, I know North Africans are not easy to play at their own backyard. We have a game plan and I am optimistic it will work,” Polack told Nation Sport.
With Rwandese striker Jacques Tuyisenge having left the team to join Angolan giants Petro Atletico, Nicholas Kipkirui has proved an able replacement, leading the goal hunt for Gor Mahia. Tanzanian custodian David Mapigano has been the preferred safe pair of hands between the sticks.
USM Alger will miss the services of midfielder Mohammed Benkhemassa, who recently joined Spanish second-tier side Malaga. The return leg will be at Kasarani on September 29.
