Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia were expected to rely heavily on Ernest Wendo’s experience in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League clash against El Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan. However, the defensive midfielder was conspicuously missing in both away and home matches against Merreikh, whom Gor eliminated 5-2 on aggregate, despite being fully fit. Wendo, who is the current longest-serving player at K’Ogalo, admitted that he missed the two crucial continental matches after failing to fit into coach Leonardo Neiva’s plan. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8305161##”Every match has its own plan and preparations. Not every player will fit in the plan for a particular match. I was fit and ready for the matches against Merreikh but unfortunately, I didn’t fall into the plan,” he opened up. With Gor preparing to test themselves against record CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly of Egypt, Wendo is working his socks off to reclaim his place in the team. Ghanaian midfielder Enock Morrison was used to shield the defence against Merreikh, with Lawrence Juma offering options on the bench. Gor Mahia head coach reveals strategy for facing Egyptian giants Al AhlyWendo was part of the squad that downed Egyptian giants Zamalek SC 4-2 in 2019 at Kasarani Stadium in a CAF Confederation Cup tie. He says he can not afford to watch Ahly from the stands or the substitutes bench for he has invested hopes of helping Gor win the encounter. “It is the dream of every player to play such kind of matches. I am working hard to be in the team for the next round of CAF matches,” he said. Commenting on the probability of Gor upsetting Ahly, Wendo said the move by Sports Kenya to allow the use of Nyayo National Stadium will work in their favour. Mara Sugar goalkeeper Felix Adoyo sets ambitious season targetThe former Bidco United midfielder urged the team to maximize home comfort and register a big win so as to boost chances of sailing to the group stages.”We have to win at home by a big margin. Home advantage is always crucial in continental matches and therefore, we have to make it count. Ahly is a good side but I believe with good preparations, we can get positive results,” he said.
