‘Small details cost us’ – Charles Akonnor sounds Gor Mahia alarm after Rayon Sports in Kigali

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has demanded more from his players after their pre-season preparations suffered an early setback with a 2-0 defeat to Rayon Sports in Kigali.

The Ghanaian tactician believes the loss at Kigali Pele Stadium was a timely reality check that exposed weaknesses his team must address before the new campaign begins.

Rather than panic over the result, Akonnor sees the defeat as part of the rebuilding process as Gor Mahia prepare for domestic, regional and continental challenges.

“We are using this two-week camp in Rwanda as a tactical laboratory,” Akonnor said. “These matches are giving us the opportunity to discover our weaknesses and correct them before the competitive season begins.”

Gor Mahia struggled against a motivated Rayon Sports side that was celebrating its annual Rayon Day, with defensive lapses proving costly. Atisso Kodjo opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time before Ndikumana Fabio completed the victory with a late lob in added time.

For Akonnor, those moments revealed the fine margins that separate success from failure at the highest level.

“Losing concentration in the closing minutes of either half is something we must overcome,” he said. “At the highest level, matches are decided by small details, and we have to remain focused until the final whistle.”

Defensive discipline and attacking sharpness top Akonnor’s agenda

The former Ghana captain has now turned his attention towards improving Gor Mahia’s defensive structure while demanding greater efficiency in the final third.

“Our defensive organisation needs to improve, and every player must understand their role,” Akonnor said. “We have to become stronger, smarter and more disciplined as a team.”

The Rwanda camp has also provided the coach with an opportunity to blend new arrivals with the club’s established stars as he builds a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

One of the new faces attracting attention is striker Paul Okoth, who joined Gor Mahia after scoring 18 goals in the previous campaign. The forward came close to making an instant impact against Rayon Sports, hitting the crossbar during a second-half revival from K’Ogalo.

“Paul has quality and potential, but football is about the team,” Akonnor said. “We must help all the new players adapt quickly and understand the philosophy of Gor Mahia.”

With six new signings added to the squad, Akonnor has urged patience as he works to create a cohesive unit.

“We are building something important, and building a team takes time,” he said. “The players must believe in the process and continue working hard every day.”

Kagame Cup challenge awaits Gor Mahia

Beyond the pitch, Akonnor has welcomed the involvement of former players Philemon Otieno and Ernest Wendo, who have taken leadership roles after retirement.

“People like Philemon and Ernest know what this badge represents,” Akonnor said. “Their presence is important because they can guide the players and preserve the winning mentality of this club.”

The Rayon Sports defeat was only the beginning of Gor Mahia’s Rwanda tour, with the club set to face a tougher test when they begin their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign on July 24.

Gor Mahia have been placed in Group A alongside Rwanda’s APR FC, Somalia’s Dekedaha and Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine.

“We understand the responsibility that comes with wearing this jersey,” Akonnor said. “Our aim is to compete strongly and represent Gor Mahia with pride.”

After leading Gor Mahia to the league title in his first season, Akonnor is now aiming for success beyond Kenya’s borders. For him, the defeat in Kigali is not a warning sign of failure, but a lesson that must accelerate the team’s growth.