Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has lauded his players for their discipline and execution after they edged arch-rivals AFC Leopards 1-0 in a tightly contested 99th Mashemeji Derby over the weekend.
The top-of-the-table Mashemeji Derby lived up to its billing at the Nyayo National Stadium, with both sides showing intensity and ambition in a crucial FKF Premier League encounter.
Gor Mahia eventually found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute through Alpha Chris Onyango, whose late strike sealed all three points and offered a measure of revenge against their long-time rivals.
Speaking after the match, Akonnor highlighted the tactical preparation that underpinned the victory, praising his side’s control of the game and mentality throughout the contest.
“We looked at the opponent very well, compared with what we did in the first round, we looked at exactly what they were made of, and so, we strategised everything,” Akonnor said.
“In the first half, you realised that we were better, we controlled the game, they couldn’t breathe, and that is exactly what we planned. I must say the boys have done very well. I salute them because of the performance.”
He also pointed to his team’s resilience after missing several early chances, noting their belief eventually paid off.
“Not just the win, but the performance, and also the belief, you know in the first half we had a lot of chances, we couldn’t score, but they believed, and worked so hard, and at the end we were rewarded with a goal.”
The result strengthens Gor Mahia’s position at the top of the league table, where they now sit on 61 points—six ahead of second-placed AFC Leopards, who remain on 55 points after 29 matches.
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