Heartbreak for Green Army as Gor Mahia exit Caf Confederations Cup
Gor Mahia have been knocked out of the Caf Confederations Cup after being beaten 2-1 away by USM Alger in the decisive final group match on Wednesday.
Gor Mahia, who are fresh from clinching the 2018 Kenyan Premier League title, never really got into the first half of a match which they needed to avoid defeat to secure a spot in the tournament’s quarter final.
There were early signs of trouble for Gor after they conceded an 8th minute penalty but they had goalkeeper Fredrick Odhiambo to thank after he brilliantly palmed the spot kick to safety.
With Gor Mahia sitting back and soaking all the pressure, they were made to pay in the 36th minute when Prince Ibara rose highest at the back post to thump in a header into the far past as the entire Gor Mahia backline stood rooted to the ground.
With Rwanda’s Rayon Sport winning the other Group D match against Tanzania’s Yanga in Kigali, Gor Mahia were forced to come out of their shells in the second half to salvage the situation.
LATE DRAMA
There was late drama late in the match after Amir Sayoud put USM Alger 2-0 ahead in the 81st minute only for Jacque Tuyisenge to give Gor Mahia a lifeline two minutes later with a headed goal from a corner.
But it proved too little too late as the hosts played out the remaining minutes for time to seal Gor Mahia’s fate.
In the end the 2-1 loss to Rayon Sport 10 days ago in Nairobi proved to be K’Ogalo’s main undoing as the Rwanda side held on to see off Yanga 1-0 and secure a last eight berth at Gor’s expense.
USM Alger topped the group with 11 points, followed by Rayon on 9 points, while Gor, who went into the last group match on top spot, finished third on 8 points. Yanga wound up bottom of the group on 4 points.