Gor Mahia players in training/ HANDOUT
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has urged his players to show the right mentality when they face Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine SIAF in a must-win CECAFA Kagame Cup Group A clash today, with a place in the semi-finals within touching distance.
The Kenyan champions made an emphatic start to the tournament with a 5-0 thrashing of APR FC before suffering a painful 1-0 defeat to Uganda’s Vipers SC after conceding deep into stoppage time.
The loss left K’Ogalo third in Group A on three points, behind leaders Vipers SC on six points, while APR FC are also on three points. Garde Républicaine sit bottom without a point after losing both of their opening matches.
With the final group fixtures set to determine the semi-finalists, Akonnor believes Gor Mahia remain firmly in control of their destiny but insists they must address the shortcomings that cost them against Vipers.
“The attitude on the field of play was not good enough for us to win,” Akonnor admitted after the defeat. The Ghanaian coach said the setback should serve as motivation rather than discourage his squad.
“We are going out not with our heads down, but with a lesson to learn,” he said. Akonnor also defended his decision to rotate the squad heavily against Vipers, saying every player must be ready to seize opportunities.
“If there’s a match and you don’t play, you can’t complain. Players must take their opportunities when they come,” he said. However, he indicated there would be fewer experiments against the Djiboutian side. “We have to win if we want to stay alive in this tournament,” Akonnor declared. “If we can win our next match, we will be in the race.”
The former Ghana international is expected to revert to his preferred 4-3-3 formation, with Bryne Omondi likely to start in goal behind Daniel Sakari, Mike Kibwage, Frank Odhiambo and Mohammed Siraj.
Alpha Onyango is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Enock Machaka and Jackson Dwang, while David Okoth, Patrick Essombe and new signing Paul Okoth should spearhead the attack.
Paul Okoth, who marked his Gor Mahia debut with a goal against APR FC, said joining the club offers him the ideal stage to compete at the highest level. “Joining Gor Mahia is a huge step in my career and an opportunity I am grateful for,” he said.
“I am looking forward to working hard, scoring goals and helping the club achieve its objectives both locally and in continental competitions.”
The former Ulinzi Stars striker is expected to lead the line as Gor Mahia seek the victory that would keep their regional title hopes alive.
On the opposite bench, Garde Républicaine coach Kadir Ahmed Robleh admits his side are now playing for pride after successive defeats to Vipers SC and APR FC. “This tournament is a valuable learning opportunity for us as we prepare for CAF competition,” Robleh said.
“We are here to gain experience, grow as a team, and take each match as it comes.” Despite already being eliminated, the Djiboutian coach insists his players remain motivated.
“Playing clubs of Gor Mahia’s level gives us the experience we need for continental football,” he said. “We want to finish the tournament with an improved performance regardless of the standings.”
