Gor Mahia returns to the African Champions League after two years with a preliminary round match against South Sudanese side El Merreikh Bentiu at Juba Stadium in Juba, South Sudan, on Sunday.

Ahead of the tie, which kicks off at 4:00 pm Kenyan time, the coach of El Merreikh Bentiu, who are debuting at the highest level of African football, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to challenge the multiple Kenyan champions.

“We don’t fear Gor Mahia,” declared coach Ramzi Sebit. This is despite admitting that he has not had the opportunity to scout their opponents. “I have not had a good time watching them since most of their matches were not shown, but that is not a big challenge because I prepare my team at 85%. The remaining 15% is what I use to investigate the opponent.”

To acclimatise to the expected hot weather in Juba, K’Ogalo travelled to the capital of South Sudan on Thursday and have so far held a number of training sessions at the match venue.

The head coach, Brazilian Leo Neiva, declared readiness for the fixture, stating that they have had adequate preparation and that his charges are adapting well to his tactics.

“We are ready for this game. Our preseason trip to Tanzania was fantastic; we secured two wins, and tactically, we are improving gradually. The team’s harmony is good, and we are pleased to have Austin (Odhiambo) back for this game after attending to personal issues. We anticipate a challenging match against El Merreikh Bentiu and are hopeful for a favourable result, ideally a draw or even a win,” Neiva stated.

The 1987 CAF Winners’ Cup winners toured Tanzania for preseason last week, playing and winning back-to-back friendlies against hosts Fountain Gate FC.

The reigning FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player, Austin Odhiambo, who missed the Tanzania tour as well as the CECAFA Club Cup in Dar es Salaam last month and has been accused of indiscipline, has returned to the team and is expected to play a pivotal role in the game against El Merreikh.

However, Gor Mahia will be without Harambee Stars defender Rooney Onyango and winger Musa Masika, who could not travel as their passports were allegedly detained by the Italian embassy in Nairobi.

The team is returning to continental football after two years in the cold. K’Ogalo were barred from featuring in last season’s campaign for failing the CAF Club Licensing test. Meanwhile, El Merreikh Bentiu will be making their debut in the CAF Champions League.