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Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews has explained why the crowd at Cairo International Stadium will not intimidate them during their Champions League clash with Al Ahly.
Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews has shrugged off concerns about facing the intimidating atmosphere at Al Ahly’s home ground in Egypt ahead of their crucial second-leg CAF Champions League clash on Saturday.
Despite the uphill task of overturning a 3-0 deficit from the first leg, Mathews remains confident and focused, emphasising that the overwhelming presence of Al Ahly's supporters will not rattle his side.
The 12-time CAF Champions League winners, Al Ahly, boast one of the most passionate and vocal fanbases in African football. Their stadium will undoubtedly be filled with raucous supporters hoping to see their team through to the next round.
However, Mathews, who is set to return to the starting lineup after missing the first leg, remains calm and composed, assuring fans that Gor Mahia can handle the pressure.
“It is not a major concern actually because we are also used to a big crowd back home,” Mathews said in an interview with SportPesa Blog.
“So, we expect that, and playing in that crowd is the big motivation that we can have.”
With a wealth of experience under his belt, including featuring in previous continental fixtures and clinching the 2022/23 Golden Glove award, Mathews knows what it takes to perform on the big stage. His confidence and ability to focus amid the noise of a hostile crowd will be vital as Gor Mahia seeks to stage a remarkable comeback in Egypt.
Gor Mahia faces an uphill battle after losing 3-0 in the first leg in Nairobi, where South African forward Percy Tau scored a brace and Rami Rabia added a third goal to secure Al Ahly's commanding lead.
While K’Ogalo will need a near-miraculous performance to overturn the deficit, Mathews believes that nothing is impossible in football.
“It feels quite motivating to make it back to the team. It has been quite a rough journey, but all I can say is that I thank God for this wonderful time that I am back,” Mathews said, expressing gratitude for his return to the squad. “As much as I can see, we are much psyched up and everyone is ready.”
Despite the difficult task at hand, the Kenyan side knows that they have 90 minutes to change their fate, and Mathews is confident that his team is mentally prepared for the challenge.
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07:43 - 21.09.2024
Deafening noise, laser torches & red-hot flares: What awaits Gor Mahia against Al Ahly in Cairo
Gor Mahia are on ‘mission impossible’ against Al Ahly and their task will be made more difficult by the intimidating and hostile atmosphere at the 75,000-seater Cairo International Stadium.
Mathews' potential return to the starting lineup is a significant boost for Gor Mahia, with coach Leo Neiva understandably relying on as many experienced heads as he could, even during the first leg at home.
The experienced shot-stopper brings a level of stability and confidence to the backline, having excelled in past continental competitions.
With Al Ahly's supporters expected to create a deafening atmosphere, Mathews’ calm demeanor and focus on the game will play a key role in ensuring that Gor Mahia is not overwhelmed by the occasion.
As Mathews himself pointed out, “Football is a game of 90-plus minutes. You never know what might happen.”
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21:00 - 03.09.2024
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