[caption id="attachment_1342977" align="alignnone" width="742"] Charles Akonnor[/caption]
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor says his side are well prepared for their CAF Champions League meeting with Egyptian giants Pyramids FC on Sunday.
The Ghanaian coach has acknowledged Pyramids' quality and experience but believes the Kenyan champions have what it takes to compete.
It is another opportunity to showcase what we have. We are doing it against a very good side, and we are preparing adequately, Akonnor said.
The players are getting it right, and I believe we are capable of doing it.
Gor Mahia have been working on their tactical, physical and mental preparation ahead of the first leg, with Akonnor stressing the importance of being ready for the demands of a high-level continental fixture.
The preparations are going on very well. We know we are facing a very good team; they are a very tough team, but we are also a good team, and we have been preparing well for this match, he added.
We have been working on our tactics, our fitness and also the mental aspect because these are the kind of matches where you need to be fully prepared. We know what is expected of us on Sunday.
Pyramids, who have established themselves as one of the leading sides in Egyptian and African football in recent seasons, will provide a major test for Gor Mahia.
Akonnor said his players must use the occasion to demonstrate their ability while also highlighting the opportunity for them to attract attention from the Ghana national team.
Pyramids have good players, and they have experience in African competitions. We respect them, and this match will also give our players a chance to fight for their places in the national team, he said.
The former Ghana international has also urged his players to stay disciplined and united throughout the tie, warning that small details could determine the outcome.
We have to be disciplined, stay together and fight for every ball. If we do what we have been training and play with confidence, then we can get a positive result, Akonnor said.
Gor Mahia will host Pyramids in the first leg of their preliminary-round tie at Nairobi's Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, 6 September.
The return leg will take place in Cairo on 13 September, with the winner advancing to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
The eventual winner will face either South Sudanese side El Merriekh Bentiu or Somalia's Heegan SC in the next round.
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