Gor Mahia boss Charles Akonnor confident ahead of Pyramids Champions League clash

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor says his side are well prepared for their CAF Champions League first-leg tie against Egyptian champions Pyramids FC on Sunday.

The Ghanaian coach has acknowledged the quality and experience of Pyramids but believes Gor Mahia can compete with the Egyptian side if they remain disciplined and execute their game plan.

“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 tactics, fitness and mental preparation as they get ready for one of their biggest continental tests of the season.

“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,” Akonnor added.

The former Ghana international says the encounter will require his players to maintain their concentration and cope with the demands of playing against an experienced side.

“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,” he said.

Akonnor believes the tie will also provide an opportunity for Gor Mahia players to make an impression as they seek recognition at international level.

“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 Gor Mahia boss has urged his players to remain united and disciplined throughout the match, with small details likely to prove decisive over the two legs.

“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 at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, 6 September, in the first leg of their preliminary-round tie.

The return leg will be played in Cairo on 13 September.

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