CAF Champions League: ‘We have to stay focused’ – Odhiambo backs Gor Mahia to overturn Pyramids deficit

Defender Frank Odhiambo wants Gor Mahia to approach Sunday’s CAF Champions League return leg against Pyramids FC with belief as the Kenyan champions begin their journey to Cairo determined to overturn a two-goal deficit.

Gor Mahia departed Nairobi on Friday morning on a direct flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and are expected to arrive in the Egyptian capital before 10am.

The return fixture will be played at the 30 June Stadium, where Pyramids will enjoy home advantage after securing a 2-0 victory in the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium last Sunday.

Odhiambo, who featured in the opening encounter, believes the tie remains within Gor’s reach despite the setback on home soil.

“We know the first leg did not go the way we wanted, but the tie is not finished. We have another 90 minutes, and we have to believe that we can change the situation,” Odhiambo said.

Gor face uphill battle

Pyramids struck early in Nairobi, with El Karti finding the net in the fifth minute before Mahmoud Saber added a second in stoppage time.

Gor improved considerably after the break but failed to convert their opportunities, leaving them with a difficult equation in Cairo.

Charles Akonnor’s side must score twice without conceding to force a penalty shootout, while a three-goal victory would send them through without the need for penalties.

Odhiambo says Gor have already examined what went wrong in Nairobi and must produce a more complete performance in Egypt.

“We have looked at the mistakes we made in Nairobi, and we know what we need to improve. In Cairo, we have to be more compact, more aggressive and better with the ball,” the defender said.

Odhiambo backed for key role

The centre-back nevertheless emerged from the first leg with individual recognition after Pyramids coach Rulani Mokwena highlighted his performance.

Mokwena had identified Odhiambo as one of Gor’s key players before the match and later praised the defender’s strength in duels, composure when carrying the ball forward and ability to connect with midfield.

Odhiambo is expected to have another demanding assignment in Cairo as Gor seek to contain Pyramids while building attacks from the back.

“We expect a very difficult match because Pyramids are a strong team, especially when they have the ball. But we also have quality players, and we must go there believing in ourselves,” he said.

No room for fear

The first leg exposed weaknesses in Gor’s midfield, particularly during the opening period, as Pyramids used quick passing and movement to unsettle the hosts.

Odhiambo believes Gor must respond with a stronger mentality and cannot allow the first-leg scoreline to dictate their approach.

“Our mentality has to be very strong. We cannot go to Cairo thinking about the two goals we conceded. We have to think about scoring and fighting for every opportunity,” he said.

The defender also believes Gor’s improved second-half showing provides encouragement ahead of the decisive encounter.

“We created problems for them in the second half when we played with confidence and moved the ball quickly. That is something we have to take into the second leg from the first minute,” Odhiambo said.

Gor take full squad to Egypt

The travelling contingent consists of 24 players, the technical bench, club officials, a Kenya Football Federation representative and the club’s media team.

Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi is part of the squad alongside defenders Mike Kibwage, Bryton Onyona, Daniel Sakari, Ebenezer Ocran and Paul Ochuoga.

Midfielders Alpha Onyango and Lesley Otieno have also made the trip, while the attacking options include Shariff Musa, Paul Okoth, Denis Omedi, Ben Stanley, George Amonno and Ebenezer Assifuah.

Despite the daunting assignment, Odhiambo insists Gor are travelling with ambition rather than simply fulfilling a fixture.

“We have respect for Pyramids, but we are not going there just to participate. We are going there to compete and try to win the match,” he said.

The Kenyan champions will require defensive discipline, attacking efficiency and sustained intensity to overturn the deficit.

“We want to give everything for the team and for our supporters. We know they are expecting a response from us, and that is what we want to give them,” Odhiambo said.

For Gor, the first goal could prove decisive in changing the complexion of the tie.

“We have to stay focused for the whole match. If we get the first goal, it can change everything, so we must remain patient and keep fighting until the final whistle,” he said.