Akonnor: Gor Mahia players can earn national team places against Pyramids

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor says his players have an opportunity to strengthen their claims for places in the national team when they face Egyptian giants Pyramids in the CAF Champions League.

The Kenyan champions will host Pyramids in the first leg of their preliminary-round tie at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, 6 September, before travelling to Cairo for the return fixture on 13 September.

Akonnor, while acknowledging the quality and continental experience of their opponents, believes the two-legged tie will provide an important platform for his squad to demonstrate their ability at the highest level of African club football.

“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,” Akonnor said.

The Ghanaian coach has stressed the importance of preparation as Gor Mahia prepare to take on a Pyramids side regarded as one of the leading teams on the continent.

Akonnor says his players have been working on their tactics, fitness and mental preparation ahead of what he expects to be a demanding contest.

“It is another opportunity to showcase what we have. We are doing it against a very good side, we are preparing adequately and the players are getting it right,” he said.

Gor Mahia return to the CAF Champions League after winning the Kenyan league title and face a difficult opening assignment against Pyramids, who have established themselves as a major force in African football.

The first leg in Nairobi is scheduled for 15:00 local time, with Gor Mahia hoping to secure an advantage before the decisive return match in Egypt a week later.

Akonnor is also demanding discipline and concentration from his players, knowing that mistakes could prove costly over the two legs.

“If we do what we have been training and play with confidence, then we can get a positive result,” he said.

The winner of the tie will advance to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, where they will face either South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu or Somalia’s Heegan SC.