The Kenyan champions will have to turn the tables minus home fans as Caf maintains strict Covid-19 rules must be followed
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have confirmed no fans will be allowed to enter the venue of the Caf Champions League clash pitting Gor Mahia against CR Belouizdad on Wednesday.
The two teams will face off in the return leg at Nyayo Stadium with the Algerian giants carrying a 6-0 advantage from the first meet in Algiers.
FKF CEO Barry Otieno has confirmed to Goal like it was the case when Gor Mahia faced APR of Rwanda in the first round of the competition, no fans will be allowed to the venue as per Caf rules on Covid-19 pandemic.
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“We will not have fans for the match at Nyayo Stadium and this is because Caf have requested for the same,” Otieno told Goal on Monday.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia opponents CR Belouizdad arrived in the country on Sunday ahead of the fixture and will train at the match venue on Tuesday at 3 pm.
“The Algerian side jetted in on Sunday at 7.35 pm for the 3 pm kick-off while match officials are, likewise, expected to arrive on Monday at 6.30 am,” FKF stated in a statement obtained by Goal.
“Gor Mahia will have a feel of the field of play on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 10 am while CR Belouizdad will also have a feel of the field of play on Tuesday at 3 pm.
“In conformance to strict guidelines by Caf to limit the spread of the Coronavirus, only 30 accredited journalists shall be allowed to access the stadium.
“Only five photographers will be allowed at the pitchside and will be required to be Covid-19 compliant. The test should have been done within the last 72 hours and they will also need to have their Caf/FKF branded bibs on.”
Meanwhile, Caf has appointed Seychellois Bernard Hensel Camille as the Center Referee for the match and he will be assisted by his compatriots Hensley Danny Petrousse (First Assistant Referee), Steve Marie (Second Assistant Referee), and Eldrick Matthieu Adelaide (Fourth Official).
Mzee Zam Ali from Zanzibar will act as the Match Commissioner while Kenyan Wycliffe Makanga has been appointed Covid-19 officer.
Gor Mahia are facing troubles ahead of the match as only 10 players held a training session with stand-in coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo on Sunday, with the rest staying away demanding their accrued salaries and allowances.
