Akonnor warns against silly mistakes as Gor Mahia brace for David vs Goliath matchup

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has acknowledged the size of the challenge awaiting the Kenyan champions in the CAF Champions League, but insists K’Ogalo have every reason to believe they can shock Egyptian heavyweights Pyramids FC.

Gor Mahia will welcome Pyramids to Nyayo Stadium on September 6 for the first leg of their first preliminary-round tie, before travelling to Cairo for the return match on September 13.

The draw has handed Akonnor’s side a formidable opponent, with Pyramids having established themselves as one of Egypt’s leading clubs and a growing force in African football.

Akonnor admitted that he had expected Gor Mahia to initially face a team from the East African region.

“We were expecting maybe a team from our region, but this is football and this is the draw we got,” Akonnor said.

Despite the gulf in continental experience, the Ghanaian coach is refusing to view the tie as a foregone conclusion.

“It is like David and Goliath, but in football everything is possible,” he said.

For Akonnor, the first leg in Nairobi could prove decisive. Gor Mahia will be looking to make home advantage count and carry a positive result into what promises to be a difficult return fixture in Egypt.

“We have to believe in ourselves and do the right things because if we do, we can get a good result,” the coach added.

Defensive improvement a priority

Gor Mahia’s preparations have also been shaped by concerns over their defensive organisation.

The Kenyan champions were beaten 3-1 by Tusker in the FKF Super Cup, a result that exposed weaknesses Akonnor knows must be addressed before facing a side of Pyramids’ quality.

“We have to correct these silly mistakes because at this level, you cannot afford to give your opponents easy chances,” he said.

The coach will also have to work around a number of injuries.

Captain Sylvester Owino is expected to miss the tie after suffering a calf injury during the CECAFA Kagame Cup, while midfielder Lawrence Juma is facing at least four weeks on the sidelines after fracturing his forearm against Tusker.

Winger Samuel Kapen has suffered a complete ACL tear, while Patrick Essombe continues to recover from a ligament injury. Striker Felix Oluoch is also still in rehabilitation following ACL surgery.

Akonnor, however, insists Gor Mahia cannot afford to dwell on the absentees.

“We have players who are injured, but we must find solutions with the players who are available,” he said.

New signings could get their chance

Gor Mahia have added several players to their squad ahead of their continental campaign, including goalkeepers Humphrey Katasi and Michael Onyango, midfielders Eno Machaka and Wesley Oteno, and defender Daniel Zakari.

The newcomers could be thrust into the spotlight as Akonnor looks to build a competitive team despite the injury setbacks.

“We know it will be a very difficult game, but our objective is to win at home and give ourselves a chance in the second leg,” he said.

The first leg will be officiated by an Algerian refereeing team, led by Mohamed Rafik, with Yassine Ben Salama and Mohamed Hamaidi serving as assistants. Houssam Ben Yahia has been appointed fourth official.

Ethiopia’s Begashaw Asfaw will serve as match commissioner, while Lydia Abebe, also from Ethiopia, has been appointed referee assessor.

Gor Mahia seeking a different outcome

Gor Mahia’s most recent Champions League campaign came in the 2024/25 season.

They eliminated South Sudan’s Al Merreikh 5-2 on aggregate in the first preliminary round before suffering a heavy 6-0 aggregate defeat to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

Their proudest continental achievement remains their 1987 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph, when they defeated Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis on the away-goals rule after the final ended 3-3 on aggregate.

History, however, will count for little when Pyramids arrive in Nairobi.

Akonnor’s message is simple: Gor Mahia must remain disciplined, defend collectively and make the most of their opportunities.

“If we can stay focused, defend well and take our chances, then we can surprise them,” he said.

Pyramids are expected in Nairobi on September 3, giving the Egyptian side three days to prepare for the first leg.

The winner over the two legs will advance to the next preliminary round, where they will meet either South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu or Somalia’s Heegan SC.