After four games as Gor Mahia coach, Leo Neiva has yet to experience a competitive victory.

The Brazilian returned from the 2024 CECAFA Club Cup last month in Dar Es Salaam without a win in three matches. Under his watch, K’Ogalo lost 1-0 to eventual winners Red Arrows of Zambia, drew against little-known AS Ali Sabieh of Djibouti, and then lost 2-0 to Sudanese giants Al Hilal SC.

Leo’s venture into CAF Interclubs began with a 1-0 defeat to underdogs Al-Merrikh Bentiu of South Sudan in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg in Juba a week ago. Bentiu made history as the first South Sudan team to win a match at their newly built stadium in the capital, Juba.

He criticized the opponents for adopting José Mourinho-style tactics: “They didn’t want to play any more football after they scored. It should have been at least 30 minutes of added time. This isn’t an excuse, but this kind of tactic—always wanting to slow down play—is, to me, a joke.

“This is an old-fashioned style of football, and they should try to win and play football as well,” the former Vipers SC coach lamented.

Leo will have another chance against the South Sudanese team in the return match set for Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

K’Ogalo will need a clear 2-0 win to advance to the stage where record African champions Al Ahly SC lie in wait. With the away goals rule still in effect, the Kenyan champions have every reason to play cautiously at the back while seeking goals in attack.