It is match-day five in Group D; Gor Mahia will play hosts to Rayon Sports of Rwanda while Tanzanian outfit Yanga will face USM Alger in Tanzania.
Gor Mahia and USM Alger are tied on eight points, with the Kenyan side topping the Group owing to a superior goal difference.
The seventeen-time Kenyan champions were held to a one all draw in the first leg. Meddie Kagere, who is now a Simba SC player, had scored the opener for the Dylan Kerr led side in the 10th minute, before Erick Rutanga equalized for the home side fifteen minutes later.
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Rayon have an outside chance of making it to the next stage, but they will have to collect maximum points against Gor Mahia and USM Alger, and pray that one of the two sides loses their two matches.
Gor Mahia will rely on Ivorian Ephram Guikan for goals; the big man has scored two goals same as his counterpart Jacques Tuyisenge. But all eyes will be on Humphrey Mieno and Francis Kahata, who have been influential for the Kenyan champions. Mieno has managed to create two goals same as Samuel Onyango.
Rayon Sports captain Thierry Manzi has warned that the Blues are still in the contest, and will be looking to collect maximum points from their two remaining games.
“We need to believe that we can reach the quarters because when you do the calculations, the chances are still there. We have to work hard and ensure we drop no point in the two games left - against Gor Mahia and Young Africans.”
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In the other Group match, Yanga have nothing to lose, they are down and out! With one point collected from their initial four matches, they do not stand a chance of making it out of the group. They will be at home against USM Alger, a side they conceded 4-0 against in the first leg.
The East African side has the worst record in the group having conceded eleven goals and scored just two in their four games played. It will be a tough task for Yanga against a top side that is known for quick and ruthless attacking.
However, the North African side has to shape its defense, they have conceded twice in the last two matches, something that is not usual especially when playing at home.
Yanga will rely on Farouk Chafai, who has hit the back of the net twice. One player, who will be relied on for creativity is Faouz Yaya, who has assisted twice. He will be aiming at making it three, and just maybe, score.
A point for USM will be enough to take them to the next stage, but a win will increase their chances of finishing top of the group.
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