It was a story of so close yet so far as Gor Mahia succumbed to Lobi Stars in a 2 - 0 defeat during the return leg of the CAF Champions League match played at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu state, Nigeria on Saturday.
Gor will rue for allowing Lobi Stars to score an away goal last Sunday at Kasarani, as it proved worthy and saw the Nigeria champions send them packing after an aggregate of 3 - 3 tie.
The away goal rules came to haunt KPL defending champions.
Striker Sikuru Alimi scored a brace on the 70th and 88th to spur Lobi Stars into the group stages and ensured his side a whopping Sh56 million prize money for reaching to the profitable group stage.
The loss replicated last year's fate as Gor failed 1 - 0 aggregate to Tunisia's and CAF Champions league defending champions Esperance after a goalless draw in Machakos stadium.
Albeit, all is not lost for Gor Mahia as the loss means, they will now drop to the CAF Confederation Cup.
And Gor Mahia will have to return back to the drawing board as they seek to improve in the Confederation cup following last year outstanding performance.
Elsewhere, Kenya poor run in the Confederation Cup continued as shield cup holders Kariobangi Sharks bowed out after 2 - 1 loss to Asante Kotoko in the second leg match played at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday afternoon.
Fatawu Safui put Kotoko ahead on the 17th minute before Patilah Omoto equalized for Sharks on the hour mark.
Seven minutes before half-time break captain Amos Frimpong restored the host's lead with a penalty kick after Yacouba Songne was fouled in the penalty area.
The Ghanaian side proceeded to the group stage.