• The Brazilian said his opponents had promised to teach Gor football lessons
•In February 2019, Gor Mahia beat Zamalek 4-2 in the Confederations group stage at Kasarani and Leonardo believes they have a chance against the much fancied Al Ahly.
Image: HANDOUT
Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Neiva says they have to stay humble and keep calm despite rallying from behind to hammer South Sudan's Elmereikh Bentu 5-1 in the first round of the CAF Champions League second leg at Nyayo Stadium.
Having lost 1-0 away to the Sudanese in Juba, K'Ogallo sailed through with a 5-2 aggregate to book a date with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who are the defending champions in the second round next month and Neiva believes the work is just halfway done.
"We played well despite our opponents scoring an early goal to make our work more difficult. We didn't panic because we had our game plan intact," said Leonardo.
The Brazilian said his opponents had promised to teach Gor football lessons. " This is why after scoring the first goal, they tried their time-wasting game but KO'gallo caught them napping to change the tide," he revealed.
Leonardo added that football is played for 90 minutes and they showed the Sudanese how it is done. He promised to try and play a good game against Al Ahly without exposing themselves.
"We will be facing the 'Real Madrid of Africa'. We know they're very good but anything is possible in football," said Leonardo.
In February 2019, Gor Mahia beat Zamalek 4-2 in the Confederations group stage at Kasarani and Leonardo believes they have a chance against the much fancied Al Ahly.
El Mereihk scored an 8th-minute opener through unmarked Samuel Temidayo before Chris Ochieng levelled matters in the 10th minute.
K'Ogalo, buoyed by thousands of fans, pegged their opponents in their half with some sleek football and took the lead through Alpha Onyango after Rooney Onyango's cross.
Defender Alphonse Omija made it 3-1 in the 34th minute after connecting with Austin Odhiambo's free-kick in the box. The Sudanese breathed a sigh of relief as the half-time whistle saved them from the waves of attack mounted by Gor.
The second half was a carbon copy of the first with Gor's Austin Odhiambo and Alpha Onyango running strings in midfield and controlling the tempo.
Rooney, who was arguably the 'Man of the Match' scored the fourth goal in the 80th minute before completing his double in the 93rd minute to break the Sudanese hearts. Leonardo praised his players for the good game and singled out Rooney for his character.
"Rooney started as a winger and ended up playing as a number nine because he is a utility player who can play almost everywhere. Of course, he scored two goals showing that he is a secret weapon," said Neiva
Leonardo who won his first major game asked his team to maintain discipline and stamp their foot on the ground with the KPL fixtures on the horizon for the defending champions.
Meanwhile, El Merriekh Bentiu's coach, Lolaku Samuel conceded defeat and congratulated Gor for the win and wished them well as they progressed to the next round.