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Former Harambee Stars midfielder McDonald Mariga has praised Gor Mahia's performance despite their 3-0 defeat to Al Ahly in CAF Champions League.
Former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga has expressed admiration for the performance of FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia despite their 3-0 home defeat to Egypt’s Al Ahly in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.
The match played on Sunday afternoon at Nyayo National Stadium saw the Kenyan giants struggle against the African powerhouse but their effort did not go unnoticed.
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Al Ahly were clinical with goals from Rami Rabia and a brace by South African international Percy Tau sealing a comfortable victory ahead of the second leg.
Yet Mariga, who attended the match as one of the dignitaries, was quick to encourage Gor Mahia’s players and fans.
“Attended the CAF Champions League match between Gor Mahia vs Al Ahly, bad day in office for K'Ogalo, encouraging performance even though the scoreline showed otherwise. Kudos to the fans as well #Sirkal 👊,” posted Mariga on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The former Inter Milan star, who famously became the first and only Kenyan to win the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 2010, understands the high standards of football at the top level.
The 36-year-old retired from professional football after a glittering 16-year career, during which he earned a reputation as one of East Africa's finest footballers.
His achievements include winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League during his time at Inter Milan under the guidance of legendary coach José Mourinho.
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Mariga's style of play, often compared to that of French football legend Patrick Vieira, made him a force to be reckoned with during his prime years in Europe.
Although he is now actively involved in politics, where he unsuccessfully contested for the Kibra parliamentary seat in 2019, Mariga’s passion for football remains undiminished.
His football journey started at Kamukunji High School, where he caught the attention of European scouts, and led him through Kenya’s top-tier league before moving to Sweden.
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From there, Mariga’s career took off when he joined Italian side Parma, before making his high-profile move to Inter Milan in 2010.
Despite his success at the club level, critics argue that Mariga never quite replicated his club form for the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars.
He was unable to guide the team to qualify for any major international tournaments during his playing days.
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