Gor Mahia’s CAF Champions League preliminary-round dates against Egyptian champions Pyramids FC have been officially confirmed.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsK’Ogalo will host the first leg at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, 6 September, with kick-off scheduled for 3 pm. The return leg will be played in Cairo on Sunday, 13 September, starting at 6 pm.##NAJAVA_MECA_9907220##Pyramids are expected to arrive in Nairobi on Thursday, 3 September, giving the visitors several days to prepare for the opening encounter.The tie presents a formidable challenge for Charles Akonnor’s side, with the Gor Mahia coach acknowledging their opponents' pedigree while insisting his team has nothing to fear.“I use the word giants; indeed they are giants, but in football everything is possible,” Akonnor said.Ambani explains source of confidence ahead of AFC Leopards' new seasonAkonnor admitted he had hoped for a less demanding opponent at this stage of the competition, but believes Gor Mahia must embrace the challenge presented by the draw.“It is a very tough match, a tall order for us. We weren’t expecting an opponent like that,” he said. “I thought we could play within the region and then move forward, but this is what we face.”With the first leg at home, Akonnor has challenged his players to make full use of the advantage and secure a result that will give them a platform heading into the return fixture in Egypt.“What is right is also for us to make sure we play well and win, especially in our first leg, which is in Kenya, and see how best we can do in Egypt,” he said.Blow for Gor Mahia as experienced midfielder suffers injury ahead of key Champions League assignmentRather than focus on Pyramids’ status as reigning African champions, Akonnor wants Gor Mahia to concentrate on executing their game plan and taking their opportunities.“This is what we face, we come across and we have to face that in good faith, believing that when you do the right things at the right time, you have a chance,” he said.Government issues update on Kasarani Stadium renovation ahead of AFCON 2027 [PHOTOS]The aggregate winner will advance to the second preliminary round, where they will meet either South Sudan’s El Merreikh Bentiu or Somalia’s Heegan FC. Progress through that stage would earn a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.Gor Mahia reached the second preliminary round of the 2024-2025 competition before being eliminated by Egyptian giants Al Ahly and will be hoping for a different outcome this time around.Police Bullets leave it late to edge Simba Queens in CAF Women's Champions League qualifiers
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