Gor Mahia left back Bryton Onyona in action/HANDOUTGor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has urged calm, discipline and emotional control as K’Ogalo prepare to face Murang’a Seal at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday in a fixture that could mathematically seal the SportPesa League title.
The match, initially scheduled for Murang’a, was moved to Nairobi due to logistical and infrastructural challenges, setting up a high-pressure evening for the league leaders.
Gor Mahia sit top of the table with 65 points from 31 matches, seven ahead of rivals AFC Leopards, while Murang’a Seal are 11th with 41 points.
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Despite growing excitement around a potential title win, Akonnor has insisted his players must remain focused.
“We must keep our heads down because the title is not won until it is mathematically done,” he said.
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He pointed to the 1-1 draw against Kenya Police FC on May 10 as a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift.
“Complacency at this stage of the season is our biggest enemy, and we cannot afford a slip-up,” Akonnor added.
The Ghanaian tactician said training this week has focused on improving defensive transitions and sharpening attacking efficiency.
“Murang’a Seal is a physical team that disrupts rhythm, so we must be tactically disciplined,” he noted. “I urge our supporters to remain calm, create a positive atmosphere, and push the boys across the finish line."
One of Gor Mahia’s standout performers, 20-year-old left-back Bryton Onyona, also stressed the need for focus as the club edges closer to the title. The youngster, who provided the decisive assist in the
Mashemeji Derby, has enjoyed a breakthrough season that earned him a senior national team call-up.
“Every match at this point feels like a cup final,” Onyona said.
He welcomed the venue change to Nyayo Stadium but said the objective remains unchanged.
“Playing at Nyayo gives us a familiar pitch, but the job remains to secure three points,” he said.
Onyona, who featured in the 3-2 first-leg win over Murang’a Seal in January, expects another tough encounter.
“We remember how difficult they made it for us. We are expecting a massive battle,” he said. “We have worked too hard to lose focus when the trophy is within reach."
Murang’a Seal interim head coach Dennis Odhiambo, however, insists his side will approach the match with full professionalism despite Gor’s title push.
Fresh from a 1-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz that ended a four-match losing streak, Seal head to Nairobi determined to compete strongly.
“There will be no easing off. The ball will be hard, everyone will fight, and Gor Mahia knows we are the ones who can beat them,” Odhiambo said.
He added that his side is motivated by pride and a push for a top-half finish.
“We are professionals with integrity; there is no room for favouring anyone,” he said.
Historically, Gor Mahia hold the advantage, having never lost to Murang’a Seal in five meetings, recording two wins and three draws.
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