The CAF Confederation Cup return leg match between Kenya’s Gor Mahia and Al Ahly Merowe of Sudan has been canceled after the South Sudanese side pulled out of the competition.The two teams were scheduled to face off on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium from 4PM but signs that the team would not show up for the game started to show on Saturday when they were not present for training at the match venue as per the requirements.Reports from Sudan indicate that Merowe pulled out of the competition due to financial challenges and they are now set for some sanctions from CAF which may include a fine and a ban from CAF’s inter-club competitions.Gor had defeated Merowe 3-1 in the first leg that was played in Egypt a week ago. Benson Omala, John Macharia, and Jules Ulimwengu scored the goals to give Gor Mahia a huge away win, and they were set to conclude the business at home on Sunday.OfficialThe match between Gor Mahia and Al Ahly Merowe is off, this is after the Sudanese side pulled out of the CAF Confederation Cup#CAFCC pic.twitter.com/lb8CF1mAPW— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) October 24, 2021 It is also a match that Gor Mahia had hoped to have fans back after the government gave them a go-ahead to have 10,000 fans at the 30,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium. There was however a late twist on Saturday evening when football Kenya Federation CEO Barry Otieno, in a letter clarified that CAF had not given a go-ahead for fans to access the stadium and that the match would be played behind closed doors, it resulted in a tussle between the federation and the record league champions who has vowed to go ahead with their plans of having fans at the facility.“Regrettably, the federation has not received feedback from the African football governing body, as such and in consultation with Gor Mahia FC and Sports Stadia decided that tomorrow’s CAF Confederation Cup fixture between Gor Mahia and Al Ahly Merowe will be played behind CLOSED DOORS with NO FANS, “part of the letter my Mr. Otieno read.🟢 | More training photos #Sirkal | #Betsafe | #TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/VpzODY4btz— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) October 23, 2021 On Saturday, the ministry of sports gave a go-ahead for sporting events to have fans back. Organizers are supposed to ensure only 2/3 of the stadium’s capacity is occupied and ensure serious Covid-19 prevention protocols are observed.This came as a huge boost for clubs especially Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards who have been struggling financially in the absence of their loyal supporters who contribute towards the running of the team’s daily activities through gate collection.
