Hard tackling Gor Mahia midfielder John Ochieng was left with bitter taste in mouth after he was locked out of the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup playoff tie away to AS Otoho d’Oyo of the Democratic Republic of Congo.The combative midfielder was barred from playing the match alongside Burundian international Jules Ulimwengu after they apparently returned a Covid-19 positive test two hours before kick off. The unavailability of the two players left the technical bench with only only three players on the substitutes bench out of which one, Caleb Omondi, a reserve custodian was fit enough to play. Ochieng who suspected foul play by the host team who won the game by a solitary goals revealed that he had tested negative from the multiple tests conducted in Nairobi before departure.CAF CC: Tactics Otôho d’Oyo used to frustrate Gor Mahia”It was disappointing to miss the match that I was looking forward to. Testing positive was the last thing at the back of my mind considering that I got a favorable test in Nairobi. I doubt the authenticity of the results Otoho officials shared with us two hours to the game, ” said the former Tusker player.The two players who were isolated in an hotel didn’t hit the runaway with the rest for the journey back home as they are set to enjoy freedom once they are declared coronavirus free.##NAJAVA_MECA_6013562##Ochieng who was hopeful of prompt clearance by the medics thanked the Gor office for clearing the hotel bills and availing the return tickets.”We are still holed in the hotel with Jules. We were promised that the doctor will come to see us and conduct tests. The office has been taking care of our needs,” he stated.Match Update| 90+⚠️ Yellow Card ⚠️John Ochieng’ booked🟢 Gor Mahia 1 – 0 Sofapaka ⚪#GorVsSofapaka#FKFPL pic.twitter.com/fV3ZoCGAIO— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) October 30, 2021 With the Otoho set to visit Nairobi this weekend for the return leg, Ochieng believes that they will capitalize on home advantage and advance to the group stages. “The contest is far from over for we have an opportunity to win the return leg by a big margin and proceed to the next level. I hope that i will have been cleared to play,” added the former Chemelil Sugar midfielder.
