This archive report was first published on 3 November 2019.
On Sunday, Gor Mahia and Bandari will take to the fields in the Caf Confederation Cup play-off fixtures, with Gor Mahia facing DC Motema Pembe at the Stadium de Martyr in Kinshasa at 5:30pm and Bandari facing Horoya AC at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi at 3pm.
Having drawn 1-1 with the Congolese side last Sunday at home, Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack remains confident that his team can win in Kinshasa and proceed to the group stage for the third consecutive season.
‘In football, it is not over until it is over. If we scored at home then we can score in Kinshasa too and the good thing is we now have an idea on how our opponents play – their strengths and weaknesses. Our target is to proceed to the group stage and I know it is possible,’ Polack said.
Meanwhile, Bandari are sweating on the fitness of custodian Michael Wanyika and Congolese striker Yema Mwana, who have been recovering from ankle injuries. Team manager Willis Oburu is optimistic that the duo will pass a late fitness test and feature in the match.
‘They have been training but we are still assessing them to see if they will be okay to start the match,’ said Oburu.
Bandari lost 4-2 away in Conakry but captain Felly Mulumba remains confident that they can overturn the result and qualify for the group stage.
‘They won at home and this time we are at home too and we intend to use that advantage. They have big and experienced players like Aristide Bance and we respect them but don’t fear them. Only 90 minutes stand between us and the group stage and we will fight until the very end,’ Mulumba says.
