Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr has urged his players to build on their encouraging friendly defeat by Hull City this weekend and carry a positive attitude into their clash with USM Alger on Wednesday.
The Kenyan giants are set to meet the Algerian heavyweights in their second CAF Confederation Cup Group D fixture at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi.
"We'll be facing a very strong, tactically aware, and quick USM Alger team," Kerr told KweséESPN, "and this will call for all players to give 100%.
"We started by collecting one point away in Rwanda against Rayon Sports, and now we need to try and use the advantage of playing at home in front of our fans."
Kerr's team lost 4-3 on penalties to Championship side Hull City on Sunday in front of 60,000 in Kasarani, but can take encouragement from their display as they held the Tigers at bay for the duration of the contest.
"It was a good rehearsal, but I like the attitude, and character that my players showed was very positive," Kerr continued. "We continue to create so many chances but still not scoring as we should be doing.
"I'm glad that Hull City gave us a true top level test of the European blend of football as we prepare to face USM Alger.
"I like the fact that many football fans turned up to watch the game and I call upon the fans to come again and cheer the team against the Algerian team, because the 12th man will also count," he continued.
"We need to play as a unit and approach the game like we are playing a final. Getting a win on Wednesday will be a big confidence-boost in front of our fans," Kerr concluded. "We need to go all out and fight for maximum points."
After humbling Young Africans 4-0 in the opening game, USM Alger lead Group D, while Gor Mahia and Rayon Sports are tied in second on one point.
The venue for Wednesday's game was shifted to the refurbished Moi International Sports Centre after a demand from the club.
"The Confederation of African Football has approved Kasarani Stadium," Lordvick Aduda, Gor Mahia's Chief Executive, told KweséESPN. "Our prayers have been answered after the governing body wrote to FKF confirming that they have approved our request."