Gor coach Akonnor demands grit ahead of Pyramids clash

• The Kenyan champions suffered a bitter 2-0 defeat at Nyayo Stadium last weekend and now face the monumental task of defeating the Egyptian giants in Cairo by three clear goals to advance to the second preliminary round.

Gor Mahia FC head coach Charles Akonnor confront his player Aristide Patrick Essombe during their CAF Champions League Preliminary First-leg match against Pyramids FC from Egypt at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on September 06, 2026. Pyramids FC won 2-0.Photo/Sportpicha

Head coach Charles Akonnor has demanded fierce determination, the right mindset, and absolute concentration if Gor Mahia are to overturn a two-goal deficit against Egypt's Pyramids FC in Sunday's CAF Champions League second-leg clash.

The Kenyan champions suffered a bitter 2-0 defeat at Nyayo Stadium last weekend and now face the monumental task of defeating the Egyptian giants in Cairo by three clear goals to advance to the second preliminary round.

Speaking Thursday after the team completed their final preparations at M-Pesa Academy in Thika ahead of their departure to Cairo, Akonnor acknowledged the scale of the challenge against the 2025 CAF Champions League winners but remains unfazed.

“It doesn't look good that we'll go and win, but you never know. It's all about the determination of the players and their mind set and how ready they are. Hopefully, this time around, there would be less mistakes, and we'll do well in terms of how we'll control them, in terms of the pressing, counter-press, and all those things. If we do those things, good, very good. There's always a chance for us.”

The Ghanaian tactician noted that tactical adjustments are already underway to ensure his side avoid repeating the defensive lapses that cost them in Nairobi.

“We showed the players some videos. We've discussed it. We've started training in the approach in which we have to go, and that is why yesterday I had a bit of satisfaction in terms of what they have to do in the game.

“The training session was good. It gave me a good sign that clearly they've understood exactly what we wanted from them, and believe that in the match, they will implement it,” said Akonnor.

Midfielder Daniel Sakari Macheso admitted that the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the domestic football calendar has tested the squad's resolve, but insisted the team remain locked in on the task in Cairo.

“We know the situation we are in, as of now as a country in terms of football. So, many so many back and forth, so I think it's not easy to stay motivated, because we always look up to something, but it's not there, so it's not easy.”

Despite the off-field distractions, Sakari emphasised that the players are ready to lay everything on the line to stage an upset.

“Very well prepared, just like we were last week. We know it's a big team, we can all attest to that, we know looking at how they punished us, one chance, one goal, so I think we are well prepared and we're going there to give our all, fight back, yes,” said Sakari.

Travelling squad:

Kevin Omondi, Paul Ochuoga, Bryton Onyona, Mike Kibwage, Frank Odhiambo, Daniel Sakari, Shariff Musa, Paul Okoth, Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw, Jackson Dwang’, Ebenezer Ocran, Byrne Omondi, Denis Omedi, Lewis Bandi, Ben Stanley, George Amonno, Ebenezer Assifuah, David Okoth, Hansel Ochieng’, Humphrey Katasi, Alpha Onyango, Lesley Otieno, Portipher Odhiambo and Patrick Essombe.