Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr is sorry that Esperance de Tunis knocked them out of the CAF Champions League but he is proud of his charges’ show in the match played on Sunday.
Esperance edged Gor 1-0 at Stade Olympique Rades, Tunis to sail through to the tournament’s groups’ stage on 1-0 aggregate score.
Kerr admitted that they lost the match in the first leg when they failed to take their chances at home.
“I’m sorry for letting down K’Ogalo fans but we are getting Kenya football back in people’s minds all over Africa,” the Englishman said.
“I know we lost the game in the first leg by not scoring,” he added.
Kerr had no kind words for the opposing team, who he blasted for anti-football behaviors while praising his side for “professionalism.”
Twice the game was briefly halted to contain acts of hooliganism from the home fans, who pelted Gor’s bench with missiles.
Gor’s Philemon Otieno hiding from a hail of missiles.
Esperance players also engaged in time wasting antics, as the norm with most North African cubs, to preserve their slim lead – knowing an equalizer would have spelt doom for them.
“My players gave everything today in a very hostile environment; their behavior on the field was of utmost professionalism compared to our opponents both on and off the field.
“Their fans whilst always I praise fans for being the heart and soul of the club they were a disgrace throwing bottles and cans at all of our staff.
“The total disrespect of their entire bench being the home team win or lose should show respect to their opponents as I did unfortunately they didn’t show the same.
“I am proud of my football unpringing to respect the game, proud I congratulated those cheats in both legs in though it goes against everything I’ve learnt as a player and coach,” Kerr added.
Esperance in a tweet blamed Gor players for making “rude” gestures towards their bench.
Some Gor Mahia's players began making rude gestures towards Espérance's bench, unnecessary provocation. Not fairplay. #CAFCL
— Espérance de Tunis ⭐️⭐️⭐️ الترجي التونسي (@EsperanceSTunis) March 18, 2018
Gor’s focus shift to the CAF Confederations Cup playoffs round where they will know their opponents on Wednesday after a draw is conducted in Cairo, Egypt.
“We know who we are, we know what we can become, we will go forward because we have good players good people,” he concluded.
