Gor Mahia head coach Leo Neiva has admitted his team learnt lessons the hard way, after their quest for a place in the group stages of the CAF Champions League was ended with a 6-0 aggregate defeat at the hands of defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt.
The Kenyan champions lost the return leg 3-0 in Cairo, the same scoreline in which they had lost the first leg match played in Nairobi. Goals from Rami Rabia, Wessam Abou Ali and Taher Mohamed handed the Red Devils their victory in Cairo.
The tactician said, speaking to Telecomasia.net after the match in Cairo:
We learnt a lot of lessons from these two games especially in terms of playing at the high level. It was a difficult outing but overall I am proud of my players. We showed what we can do and I believe when we come back next year, we will be a very improved team.
Leo Neiva
Gor Mahia now return home to switch focus on the defense of their FKF Premier League title and they will start off with a match against recently promoted Mathare United this weekend. Coach Neiva, in his first tenure as the coach of Gor Mahia, will look to have a positive start in the league.
I am looking forward to the challenge and looking at the team we have, I know we will do well.
Leo Neiva, exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport