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 left Nairobi on Friday morning aboard a direct flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and are expected to arrive in the Egyptian capital before 10 am. Gor’s return leg is scheduled for Sunday at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, where Pyramids will have home advantage and a two-goal cushion.
The travelling contingent comprises 24 players, the technical bench, club officials, a Kenya Football Federation representative and the club’s media team.
Odhiambo is among the players making the trip after featuring in last Sunday’s 2-0 first-leg defeat at Nyayo National Stadium—a result that has left Charles Akonnor’s side with a steep task in the return fixture.
“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.
El Karti’s fifth-minute strike punished Gor before Mahmoud Saber doubled Pyramids’ advantage in stoppage time, leaving the visitors in control at the break.
The Kenyan champions improved after the interval but could not find a way through the Egyptian defence. They now need to score at least twice without conceding to push the contest to penalties, while a three-goal victory would send them through outright.
“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’s individual display nevertheless attracted praise from Pyramids coach Rulani Mokwena, who had singled him out before the match as one of Gor’s important players.
Mokwena also praised the centre-back after the match for his strength in duels, ability to bring the ball out from the back, and link up with midfielders.
“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,” Odhiambo said.
The defender is expected to play another key role in Cairo as Gor attempt to keep Pyramids from adding to their advantage while providing an outlet during attacks from deep.
The first leg exposed problems in Gor’s midfield during the opening half, while Pyramids used quick passing and movement to unsettle the home side.
“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 late improvement in Nairobi has given Gor something to build on, with Akonnor’s players expected to show greater intensity from the start rather than wait until the final stages.
“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.
The squad travelling to Egypt includes goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, defenders Mike Kibwage, Bryton Onyona, Daniel Sakari, Ebenezer Ocran and Paul Ochuoga, and midfielders Alpha Onyango and Lesley Otieno.
Forwards Shariff Musa, Paul Okoth, Denis Omedi, Ben Stanley, George Amonno and Ebenezer Assifuah are also part of the travelling party.
Odhiambo, however, insists the size of the task should not diminish Gor’s ambition. “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 need a disciplined defensive display and greater attacking efficiency if they are to keep their continental campaign alive.
“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.
With the tie delicately poised in Pyramids’ favour, Gor’s travelling party leaves Nairobi knowing exactly what is required. For Odhiambo, the priority is to remain in the contest for the full 90 minutes and take every opportunity that comes their way. “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.
