No disrespect to the quality of the Kenyan Premier League but like the latest table would indicate and in addition to the haul of four league titles in five years, Gor are clearly head and shoulder above the rest.
K’Ogalo couldn’t be more ready to take on the Tunisian giants when they clash in the first round of the Caf Champions League in Machakos this afternoon. Dylan Kerr’s charges are in better shape as a team than the K’Ogalo side that was thrashed 8-2 on aggregate when the two sides last met at the same stage of the competition four years ago.
The ease with which they saw off Leones Vegeteranios confirm that Gor learnt something from their one off friendly loss to English Premier League side, Everton, seven months ago.
It is their overall performance in that match that they must draw inspiration from if they are to get a result against more superior opponents like Esperance. Striker Jacques Tuyisenge scored against Everton and though his form in front of goal has dipped since then, he has shown he is a big game player and will start up front alongside his compatriot Medie Kagere.
The much travelled striker ended his run of five matches without scoring by netting the second goal in the routine league win over Bandari that took them two points clear at the top of the table.
That strike will be a timely boost of confidence ahead of a clash in which K’Ogalo might not have many goal-scoring opportunities and must make each half chance count.
While a win will put them in good stead ahead of the second leg of this herculean task, Gor dare not concede a goal against Esperance. Skipper Haroun Shakava will be tasked with holding an inexperienced defence together and keep the marauding Tunisian forwards at bay. Kerr is expected to play with three central defenders and two wing backs.
Wesley Onguso will start on the left after impressing over the weekend but Gor will need to find a replacement on the right wing after Wellington Ochieng suffered an injury and has been ruled out of this afternoon’s contest.
Kevin Omondi, who scored in the home leg of the previous round, will get a nod in the play maker role ahead of Francis Kahata and George Odhiambo with Humphrey Mieno and Ernest Wendo manning the midfield.
The match has been moved forward by an hour and will kick off at 3pm to beat the rain and the Mombasa road traffic.
-Francis Wadegu