Gor Mahia coach Leonardo Neiva has told Al Ahly not to complain about the kickoff time for their CAF Champions League match as they will also enjoy the same in the return leg.
K’Ogalo take on the Egyptian giants in the first leg of the second preliminary round tie in Nairobi on Sunday with the kick off time of 3pm not having gone down well with the 12-time African champions.
However, Neiva feels that is irrelevant since the Egyptians will also subject his side to similarly harsh conditions in the return match next week and he is rather counting on K’Ogalo fans to create an intimidating atmosphere for their rivals.
“In Egypt, the second game away, I am sure will be completely full in their stadium, they are crazy,” said Neiva.
“Even us, we should do the same over here because the fans count like an extra player for us. The atmosphere pushes us during the game and gives us motivation on the ground, the players can feel that.
“About the kick off time, the Egyptians complained about the time, saying 3pm is a little hot but even there, they are going to put the game for us at 9pm so it is fair.
“Over here, the Kenyan players don’t enjoy playing at night. 9pm over there it is going to be freezing for us but it is football.”
While he admits Al Ahly are overwhelming favourites, the Brazilian coach is counting on his players to spring a surprise, while drawing inspiration from Gor Mahia’s past performances against North African teams.
“This is a special game for us, a special occasion for us because you don’t play against Al Ahly every single month or year,” he added.
“That is why I try to tell my players to focus on this game like it is the game of their lives. If the Gor Mahia players play a great game, it is football.
“Al Ahly are favourites on paper but you never know what will happen tomorrow. Simba from Tanzania beat Al Ahly before and even Gor Mahia beat Zamalek before, so it is 11 against 11.”
Gor Mahia will hope for a positive result to take to the second leg next week with the winner of the two-legged tie claiming a place in the lucrative group stages.
