Otoho are beatable at Nyayo says Mbish

After watching the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup playoff against AS Otoho d’Oyo of the Democratic Republic of Congo from the substitutes bench, Gor Mahia assistant captain Philemon Otieno believes that they are capable of winning the return leg and return to the group stages.

A numerically disadvantaged Gor fell by a solitary goal away to Otoho last weekend and will have to win the return leg by two unanswered goals to book a place in the affluent pools, after two seasons in the cold.

Otieno had travelled with the team anticipating to man the right back but failed a late fitness test and had to join the equally unfit Sydney Ochieng on the bench.

Gor had ferried sixteen players for the first leg and were handed a massive blow when the duo of Jules Ulimwengu and John Ochieng reportedly returned positive Covid-19 tests leaving the technical bench with only one fit substitute, Caleb Omondi who could only play in between the sticks.

Otieno who has tasted group stage football before said the players were aware of the rewards that tag along with advancing to the later stages of the tournament and resumed training on Wednesday with an ambition of getting a win at home.

“Otoho are beatable but it is important to caution the boys that there are no small teams at this stage. The available players are focused and wat to qualify to the next round for they understand the rewards and exposure that they stand to get,” he said.

In what will certainly be welcome news to the Green Army, Otieno revealed that there was a big possibility of his availability in the match that is set for the Nyayo National Stadium. The former Ushuru player said the feedback from the medics was positive and was feeling much comfortable in the rehabilitation sessions.

“There is a chance that I will be cleared to play. I began training on Tuesday and will continue to push harder and if the doctor says I am fit to rumble again, I will be glad to help the team win the game,” he said.