A resurgent Gor Mahia chastened South Sudan’s El Merreikh Bentiu with a 5-1 beating on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium, to book a date with Egypt giants Al Ahly, in the first round of the CAF Champions League.

Rooney Onyango, who missed the first leg, grabbed a brace as Chris Ochieng, Alpha Onyango and Alphonse Omija netted one each, to give Gor the sweet win, in their first competitive match at home this season.

This was a statement comeback for the record Kenyan Premier League champions, who lost the first leg of the preliminaries 1-0 in Juba last week.

The game started with an early shock as Samuel Abinkinu scored for Merreikh just after eight minutes, giving them a brief advantage.

However, Gor Mahia quickly responded with Ochieng’s exquisite lob over the keeper four minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive blunder by the visitors.

In the 21st minute, Gor Mahia’s Alpha Onyango extended the lead, finishing off a dangerous attack to put his team ahead.

The 35th minute saw Omija join the scoring party, slotting home a clear chance from the edge of the six-yard box, making it 3-1.

Just before halftime, Sylvester Ahono’s crucial clearance off the line kept Merreikh from closing the gap, as Gor Mahia went into the break with a commanding lead.

Christopher Oduor and Shariff Sirengo both came close to extending the lead within the first five minutes of the second half, only to see their shots sail over the bar.

By Fred Odanga.