GU stalk little known Egyptian side

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday July 16, 2010 00:00

 

El Hodood is the former club to Zebras' number one goalkeeper, Modiri Marumo. It [El Hodood] plays in the Egyptian league alongside the likes of Zamalek and Al Ahly.

Unlike Al Ahly, Zamalek, Arab Contractors and Ismailia, which have dominated African competitions, El Hodood is an unknown quantity. This could be a major stumbling block to GU's quest to progress in the Confederations Cup.However, El Hodood can be expected to show the discipline usually shown by the Egyptian national team.

It will be suicidal for GU to concede at home as it is always difficult to score against North African sides away. North African sides can be very prolific in front of goal especially at home and El Hodood has already proved that they are no different. They scored five goals in the second leg of their last Confederations Cup fixture against Simba of Tanzania. They hammered the Tanzanian side, Simba 5-1 in the second leg in Egypt. Simba had carried a slim 2-1 win from the first leg. The result is in line with the reputation of North African sides of limiting damage away before slaughtering visiting sides at home.

It will be interesting to see how coach Mike Sithole of GU reshuffles his side in his first assignment since his return from BMC.

GU has just lost two strikers, Tiroyamodimo Mohambi and Mpho Mabogo. This could mean that Sageby Sandaka and Ronald Chikomo are the obvious choices to lead the Reds upfront.

Sithole admitted on Wednesday that the release of Mohambi and Mabogo who had been registered for the competition means the number of strikers available for the clash are reduced but he has confidence in the remaining frontmen.

Two key attacking midfielders, Tshepo Molefe and Stephen Maposa were said to be carrying knocks and it will be a major boost if they recover before the crucial encounter. Both are experienced players who score goals. Maposa in particular was troubled by injuries last season but every time he returned, he proved that he is one of the most intelligent players locally.

Another exciting player who had a brilliant season at GU is winger, Mandla Mgadla who will again be expected to cause havoc on the wings.

Sithole said on Wednesday that they would try and attack so as to force a victory at home.