BY MAXIMILIAN OMONDI
Kenya’s Gor Mahia advance to the next stage of CAF Confederation Cup after their match with Sudanese Side Al-Ahly Merowe was called off. The game which was the second-round of the first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup was set to take place on Sunday 24th October at Nyayo National Stadium at 4pm EAT was cancelled after Al-Ahly Merowe failed to show-up for the return leg.
This was confirmed by Gor Mahia via their social media platforms with a statement reading, “Our CAF match against Al Ahly Merowe of Sudan that was set for today at Nyayo Stadium cancelled after the opponents failed to show up; we qualify for next round.”
K’Ogalo were going into the game enjoying a two-goal advantage after securing a 3-1 win over Al Ahly Merowe in the first leg fixture on October 15, played in New Suez Stadium, Egypt.
Football Kenya Federation released a statement confirming official communication from CAF, concerning withdrawal of Al Ahly Merowe from the contest. The statement read:
“The Football Kenya Federation has received communication from CAF officially canceling the CAF Confederations Cup Preliminary match between Gor Mahia and Al Ahly Merowe of Sudan that was due to be played at the Nyayo Stadium. CAF took the decision after receiving communication from the South Sudanese FA withdrawing Al Ahly Merowe from the competition. As a result, Gor Mahia advance to the additional second preliminary round of the CAF Confederations Cup. This is the final preliminary round of the competition.”
The Green Army will now have to wait to know whom they will face in the second preliminary stage of the competition with the draw for the playoffs scheduled for next week.
