Gor Mahia are expected to receive about KSh13 million after taking part in the CAF Champions League, even though they were knocked out in the first round. The Kenyan champions ended their Champions League journey after losing 7-1 on aggregate to Egyptian side Pyramids FC. The result means Gor Mahia will not continue to the next stage of the competition.
Gor Mahia players posing for a photo during a CAF Champions league game
Gor Mahia lost the first leg before suffering another defeat in the return match. The two results gave Pyramids FC a big win on aggregate and ended the Kenyan club’s hopes of going further in the tournament.
However, Gor Mahia are still expected to get money from CAF for taking part in the competition. The club is expected to receive about KSh13 million through payments linked to clubs that take part in CAF competitions.
The money will be important for Gor Mahia as the club continues with its season. Taking part in continental football comes with many costs. Clubs have to pay for travel, accommodation, training, transport and other match expenses. The expected payment will therefore give Gor Mahia some financial support despite their early exit.
The Champions League campaign was also important for Gor Mahia because it gave the players a chance to play against strong teams outside Kenya. Facing a team such as Pyramids FC gave the Kenyan champions a chance to see where they stand at the African level.
Gor Mahia players in action during a CAF Champions league game
The heavy 7-1 loss, however, has also shown areas that Gor Mahia needs to improve. The club will have to look at its defense, attack, squad strength and overall performance if it wants to do better in future CAF competitions.
For Gor Mahia, the focus will now move back to domestic football. The club will hope to put the Champions League loss behind them and continue working on improving the team.
Although the KSh13 million will provide some comfort, Gor Mahia will know that the focus is to become stronger and compete better in Africa.
The club can use the experience gained from the two games against Pyramids FC to start preparing for the next continental campaign and aim for a better performance in the competition