CAF Champions League: ‘No room for silly mistakes’ – Charles Akonnor rallies Gor Mahia for Pyramids test

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has challenged his players to eliminate costly errors if they are to pull off a major upset against Egyptian powerhouse Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League.

The Kenyan champions face a difficult first-round assignment, hosting Pyramids in the first leg at Nyayo Stadium on September 6 before travelling to Cairo for the return fixture on September 13.

Akonnor admits the draw was not what he expected, having anticipated a regional opponent before Gor Mahia were paired with one of Africa’s emerging continental heavyweights.

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

‘David and Goliath’ challenge

Pyramids have established themselves as a force in Egyptian and African football, making the tie a significant test for Akonnor’s side.

Despite the gulf in continental pedigree, the Ghanaian coach insists Gor Mahia should not approach the contest with an inferiority complex.

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

Akonnor believes the first leg in Nairobi could provide Gor Mahia with the platform they need to unsettle Pyramids and carry an advantage into the return fixture.

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

However, the coach knows his team cannot afford the defensive lapses that contributed to their 3-1 defeat to Tusker in the FKF Super Cup.

Akonnor demands defensive discipline

With Pyramids expected to punish any mistakes, Akonnor has made defensive organisation one of his immediate priorities ahead of the continental showdown.

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

Gor Mahia will also have to navigate the tie without several players who are unavailable through injury.

Captain Sylvester Owino is expected to miss both matches after picking up 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.

Samuel Kapen has suffered a complete ACL tear, while Patrick Essombe is recovering from a ligament injury. Striker Felix Oluoch also remains in rehabilitation following ACL surgery.

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

New signings offer Akonnor options

Gor Mahia have nevertheless bolstered their squad ahead of their return to Africa’s premier club competition.

Goalkeepers Humphrey Katasi and Michael Onyango have joined the club, alongside midfielders Eno Machaka and Wesley Oteno and defender Daniel Zakari.

Akonnor could turn to the new arrivals as he looks to compensate for the absentees and build a team capable of competing with Pyramids over two legs.

“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 handled by an all-Algerian officiating team, with Mohamed Rafik appointed as referee. Yassine Ben Salama and Mohamed Hamaidi will serve as assistants, while Houssam Ben Yahia is the fourth official.

Ethiopian officials Begashaw Asfaw and Lydia Abebe have been appointed match commissioner and referee assessor respectively.

Gor Mahia seeking another continental run

Gor Mahia last competed in the Champions League during the 2024/25 campaign. They advanced past South Sudan’s Al Merreikh 5-2 on aggregate in the opening preliminary round before suffering a 6-0 aggregate defeat to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

The club’s most celebrated continental achievement remains their 1987 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph, secured against Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis on the away-goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate draw.

But Akonnor understands history will count for little when Pyramids arrive in Nairobi.

“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, three days before the opening leg.

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