Gor boost as Onyango, Masika return for El Merriekh encounter

Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia have been boosted by the availability of two key players — Rooney Onyango and Musa Masika — ahead of their CAF Champions League return leg clash against Elmerriekh Bentiu of South Sudan.

K’Ogalo suffered a 1-0 loss to Elmerriekh in Juba on Sunday and must win by at least two goals on Saturday to sail to the next round.

Onyango and Musa missed the Juba trip after their passports were confiscated by the Italian Embassy following a travel documentation hitch.

The duo were seeking visas to travel to Italy, where they had been invited for trials, alongside Ben Stanley Omondi and Shariff Majabe.

Onyango and Masika have already linked up with the team, attending a gym session on Tuesday morning.

The team jetted back to on Monday.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia team doctor Fredrick Otieno revealed they have no injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s encounter.

Coach Leonardo Leiva, who accused his opponents of anti-football tactics — time wasting and faking injuries — will likely use a 4-4-2 formation, allowing wing-backs to drive forward to help with attacks, and also switch shape to a five-man defence when under attack.

“They played well in the first half. However, they disrupted play, especially after scoring and kept falling  — which is sad for African football,” lamented Leiva.

Goalkeeper Kevin Omondi will be shielded by the quartet of Sylvester Owino, Joshua Onyango, Alphonse Omija and captain Geoffrey “Simiti” Ochieng as Ghanian import Enoch Morisson and Alpha onyango starts in midfield alongside the FKF 2023/24 Most Valuable Player Austin Odhiambo.

Onyango will likely start as a right wing-back with Levin Odhiambo on the opposite wing. Congolese import Gideon Bendeka will chase goals alongside Boniface Omondi or youngster Chris Ochieng.

Leiva said he’ll be happy to hear the green army drums reach crescendo on the Nyayo Stadium stands as his troops seek progression to the next round, where champions Al Ahly of Egypt await.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia team doctor Fredrick Otieno confirmed they have no new injurieswith all the players are in good shape. While utility man Rooney will likely slot  at wing back, Musa will beef up the bench power.

The Brazialian  needs goals upfront and must field an attack minded side, and Rooney can easily play at wing back, with his crossing  and shooting ability coming in handy.

Leoanardo who cried foul of his opponents anti-football tactics, by wasting time and faking injuries, will likely use the 4-4-2 system allowing wingbacks to drive forward to help with attacks, and also switch shape to a solid five-man defense when under attack.

"They played well in the first half, but disrupted play, especially after scoring, and kep faling down and wasting time, which is sad for African footbal." lamented Leonardo during the post match interview

Goalkeeper Kevin Omondi will be shielded by the defense of  Sylvester Owino, Joshua Onyango, Alphonse Omija and captain Geoffrey "Simiti" Ochieng as Ghanian import Enoch Morisson and Alpha onyango starts in  midfield alongside FKF most valuable player Austin Odhiambo.

Rooney Onynago will likely start as  right wing back with Levin Odiahmbo taking  the other  wing to put the South Sudanese champion's defense on toes. Congolese import Gidoen Bendeka will chase goals partnerting Boniface Omondi or youngster  Chris Ochieng.

Buoyed by home fans at Nyayo stadium Leoanardo who is  targeting  the group  stage qualification will be happy to hear the green army drums reach crescendo on the stands as his troops peg their opponents on their half with wave after wave of attack.

He however has to be causius of El Merreikh head Coach Ramzi Sebit who admitted to using diry time wasting tactics, and will likely deploy the same style to try and defend his 1-0 advantage.  Egyptian giants Al Ahly who are the defending champions awaits the aggregate winner in the second round.