Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) champions Gor Mahia are back on the continental stage after two years in the cold.Gor will face Al Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan in their CAF Champions League preliminary round first-leg match in Juba later this afternoon.Last season, the Green Army were barred from participating in Africa’s premier club competition for failing to secure a license due to unpaid salary arrears owed to several of their former players.##NAJAVA_MECA_8275730##This latest campaign provides Leonardo Martins Neiva’s charges with a perfect opportunity to rewrite their history on the continental stage, where Gor has regularly exited in the preliminary rounds.In their last outing during the 2021/2022 season, they were knocked out in the first round with an 8-1 aggregate loss to Algerian side CR Belouizdad.If Gor advances past the preliminary round, they will face Egyptian giants and African champions Al Ahly in the first round.Mahia has been in Juba since Thursday, and coach Leonardo Neiva has indicated that the team aims to secure a win at the Juba Stadium.STARS ABROAD: Full minutes for Vyner in Bristol City’s win as Oduor features for BradfordHowever, Gor will be without key defender Rooney Onyango and midfielder Mua Masika, who could not travel due to issues with his travel documents.They will also miss striker Benson Omala, who has moved to the Lebanese Premier League.New signing, Congolese forward Gedeon Bendeka, will shoulder the responsibility of leading K’Ogalo’s attack.”This is a competition where every team is strong, and we are ready for the game. We have trained well and are optimistic about securing a big win here and then at home,” said Gor captain Philemon Otieno.Mark Shaban on why snubbing AFC Leopards for Gor Mahia was the best decisionGor Mahia will be looking for a strong start in the CAF Champions League ahead of the return leg next weekend at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
