Gor Mahia played out to a barren draw against Esperance Tunis in the first round of Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Champions League played today at Machakos stadium
Hosts Gor Mahia had many their scoring chances wasted in front of esperance’s goal, ruining the chances of qualifying in the group stages when they travel to Tunisia for a return match.
The Kenya Premier League (KPL) Champions improved from the 3-2 loss at home by the Esperance in 2014 had an opportunity to finish the first leg with a handsome score-line, but their scoring let them down on an afternoon they should have had more than three goals.
Despite playing to a barren draw, it will be advantageous for 16 time KPL champions when thy travel to Tunisia and any draw with any goal or a win of any margin will se Kenyan side through to group stages after failing to concede a goal at home.
The ten day preparations for home-side will be crucial for Dylan Kerr to ensure Gor qualifies for group stages.
But credit goes to Esperance goalkeeper Noel Ben Sherifia who twice produced brilliant saves to ensure his side remained in the game.
The Tunisians fell behind in defense as they attempted to soak in the pressure and Gor had another superb opportunity in the 37th minute when Joash Onyango’s powerful header from the right across the face of goal went inches wide from a Francis Kahata corner.