Gor hopeful despite Maputo thrashing

Gor Mahia’s Cameroonian coach Annaba Awono refused to accept defeat in the wake of the 3-0 fall to hosts Ferroviaro de Maputo of Mozambique in the first leg clash of the CAF Confederation Cup on February 19.

Gor Mahia had hoped to return to Nairobi at least with a draw from Maputo, but ended up soaking up three goals, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second leg game in three weeks’ time in Nairobi.

But Awono said anything was possible and his team had equal chances of overturning the scores in Nairobi.

“We went to Mozambique already wounded, because we had a series of injuries in our squad. But the 3-0 defeat is not reflective of our ability.

We will fight our best in the return leg and I foresee us overturning the score,’’ said Awono.

The champions of the tournament previously known as Africa Cup Winners Cup in 1987, conceded the first goal in the fourth minute after a defensive blunder by Ugandan Ivan Anguyo for Manicho to score.

It could have been worse for the Kenyans at the 40th minute, but captain Jerim Onyango dived the right side to save a penalty.

The kill

But the Mozambican side went two up at the hour mark through Nzili and three up at the death, courtesy of another Nzili goal.

Gor’s tough tackling midfielder Collins Okoth, who had been booked in the first half, was red-carded with a minute of play remaining after a second bookable offence.

But Awono said he would rectify the few mistakes he noticed in defence and midfield.

He also hoped his injured players - Hugo Nzangu, George Midenyo and Dimonde Selenga - would all be fit for the return leg.

“I hope to have a full squad in the return leg. We are down but not out,’’ he said.

Gor Mahia returned homes on Sunday afternoon.

Another Kenya side Tusker, meanwhile, believe they have all the chances to make it to the next round of the Africa Champions League despite a barren home draw with Rwanda’s APR on Saturday.

Coach Sammy Omollo said at 0-0, both sides have all to fight for in the return leg in Kigali.

“I am happy with the way we played. We did our best, but at least we did not concede. It’s all square and we will be going for the kill in Kigali,’’ he said.