Kenya's representatives Gor Mahia have advanced to the final preliminary stage of the Caf Confederation Cup.
This is after Sudanese side, Al Ahly Merowe, failed to arrive in time for the return leg of the second preliminary round which had been scheduled for Nyayo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Football Kenya Federation released a statement saying it had received official communication from the continental football governing body, CAF, confirming the withdrawal of Al Ahly Merowe from the contest.
“The Football Kenya Federation has received communication from CAF officially cancelling the CAF Confederations Cup Preliminary match between Gor Mahia and Al Ahly Merowe of Sudan that was due to played today at the Nyayo Stadium,” read the statement.
“CAF took the decision after receiving communication from the Sudanese FA withdrawing Al Ahly Merowe from the competition.”
“As a result, Gor Mahia advance to the additional second preliminary round of the CAF Confederations Cup. This is the final preliminary round of the competition,” it concluded.
An earlier letter signed by Caf's manager of interclub competitions, Emad Shenouda confirmed that the match would not take place and requested FKF to proceed with the payment of all financial dues to the officials.
"Reference the above-mentioned match, we would like to inform you that the Sudanese federation have communicated the withdrawal of the club Ahly Merowe from the competition," read the letter.
The information, which came exactly six hours before kick off, wasn't surprising given the encounter had all along been in doubt after the Sudanese club failed to show commitment by Saturday evening.
But amidst speculations the fixture would abort, Gor Mahia Sporting Director Lordvick Aduda had on Saturday said the 19-time Kenyan champions would nonetheless still proceed with preparations, adding they were yet to receive official communication from CAF.
K’Ogalo are now one step into the playoffs round where they will meet one of the 16 teams eliminated in the CAF Champions League first round. The draw for the playoffs will be held next week.
Gor had a two-goal advantage heading into the tie after registering an emphatic 3-1 victory over their opponents in the first leg played at the New Suez Stadium in Egypt a week ago.