Gor Mahia players during a training session/HANDOUT Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor admits his side faces a daunting CAF Champions League assignment against Egyptian powerhouse Pyramids FC.
However, he believes the Kenyan champions can pull off a major upset if they approach the tie with discipline and confidence.
Gor Mahia will host Pyramids in the first leg of the first preliminary round at Nyayo Stadium on September 6, before travelling to Cairo for the return leg on September 13.
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Akonnor said he was surprised by the draw, having expected K’Ogalo to face a team from the region before taking on one of Africa’s established continental sides.
“We were expecting maybe a team from our region, but this is football and this is the draw we got,” Akonnor said.
Pyramids, who have become a regular force in Egyptian and African football, represent a significant step up in opposition for Gor Mahia. However, Akonnor is refusing to concede the tie before a ball is kicked.
“It is like David and Goliath, but in football everything is possible,” he said.
The Ghanaian believes Gor Mahia’s best opportunity will come in Nairobi, where a strong home performance could give them an advantage before the difficult trip to Egypt.
“We have to believe in ourselves and do the right things because if we do, we can get a good result,” Akonnor said.
The match will be officiated by an all-Algerian team appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with Mohamed Rafik as the centre referee.
He will be assisted by Yassine Ben Salama and Mohamed Hamaidi, while Houssam Ben Yahia has been appointed fourth official. Ethiopian officials Begashaw Asfaw and Lydia Abebe will serve as match commissioner and referee assessor respectively.
Akonnor’s immediate concern is ensuring his players are ready for the intensity of the contest, particularly after Gor Mahia’s defensive weaknesses were exposed in their 3-1 defeat by Tusker in the FKF Super Cup.
“We have to correct these silly mistakes because at this level, you cannot afford to give your opponents easy chances,” he said.
The coach is also facing a selection headache, with injuries ruling several important players out of the two legs.
Club captain Sylvester Owino is expected to miss the tie after suffering a calf injury during the CECAFA Kagame Cup, while midfielder Lawrence Juma fractured his forearm against Tusker and is expected to be sidelined for at least four weeks.
Winger Samuel Kapen suffered a complete ACL tear and faces a lengthy spell out, while forward Patrick Essombe is also recovering from a ligament injury. Striker Felix Oluoch remains in rehabilitation following ACL surgery.
“We have players who are injured, but we must find solutions with the players who are available,” Akonnor said.
Gor Mahia have strengthened their squad ahead of their continental return, adding goalkeepers Humphrey Katasi and Michael Onyango, midfielders Eno Machaka and Wesley Oteno, and defender Daniel Zakari.
The new arrivals could be called upon as Akonnor seeks to compensate for the absences and assemble a balanced side capable of competing with Pyramids.
“We know it will be a very difficult game, but our objective is to win at home and give ourselves a chance in the second leg,” he said.
Gor Mahia last featured in the Champions League in the 2024/25 season. They eliminated South Sudan’s Al Merreikh 5-2 on aggregate in the first preliminary round before being eliminated 6-0 on aggregate by Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Their greatest continental success remains the 1987 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph, when they defeated Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis on the away-goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate draw.
Akonnor knows past achievements will not decide the outcome against Pyramids, but believes a disciplined display could give his players a chance of progressing.
“If we can stay focused, defend well and take our chances, then we can surprise them,” he said.
Pyramids are scheduled to arrive in Nairobi on September 3, three days before the first leg. The winner of the tie will advance to the next preliminary round, where they will meet either South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu or Somalia’s Heegan SC.
