Gor Mahia players Shariff Musa and Jackson Dwang celebrate their goal against Murang'a Seal/HANDOUT Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has warned his players to brace for fierce opposition throughout the season, saying every team will treat a match against the champions like a World Cup final.
Akonnor spoke after K’Ogalo launched their 2026/27 SportPesa League title defence with a 4-2 victory over Murang’a SEAL under the floodlights at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday night.
The record champions, who are chasing their 23rd league title, face newly promoted 3K FC at Embu Stadium on Saturday, with the Ghanaian tactician expecting another stern test.
“Any team playing Gor Mahia this season will treat the match like a World Cup final. Everybody wants to beat Gor Mahia because we are the champions, and that means every game will demand a high level of concentration, discipline and commitment from my players,” Akonnor said.
With Gor firmly in the spotlight, their opponents are expected to raise their game against the reigning champions. Akonnor wants his players to match that intensity while maintaining their tactical discipline.
Tuesday’s victory offered an encouraging start following a difficult pre-season and a disappointing continental campaign. However, the coach knows his side must improve if they are to remain competitive throughout a demanding season.
He credited the introduction of a sports psychologist with helping the squad regain its composure after a difficult period. “The most important thing is that the players are beginning to understand themselves better and appreciate what is expected of them. We have been through a difficult period, but the mood is improving, the players are calmer, and we are working towards getting the team where we want it to be,” he said.
Gor demonstrated their attacking intent against Murang’a SEAL, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Alpha Onyango’s curling free kick. Shariff Musa then struck twice before Jackson Dwang added the fourth goal.
SEAL mounted a fightback through substitute Josphat Lopaga, who scored twice, but the champions held on to collect maximum points and get their campaign off to a winning start. Akonnor welcomed the result but insisted his players must build on it rather than allow complacency to creep in.
“We are happy with the three points because winning the first match is important for confidence, but we know that this is only the beginning. We have to keep improving, correct the mistakes we made and make sure that we carry the same hunger into our next match,” he said.
Off the pitch, Gor have also been dealing with questions revolving around the 14-day suspensions imposed on goalkeeper Bryne Omondi and defender Mike Kibwage by the club's management.
Akonnor distanced his technical bench from the decisions, describing them as administrative matters handled by the club hierarchy. “The suspension of Omondi and Kibwage was not my decision. Those are administrative matters handled by the management, while my responsibility is to prepare the players available to me and ensure that the team competes at the highest level,” he said.
The absence of the two players adds to scrutiny surrounding the champions, but Akonnor remains confident in the squad's depth as the season gathers pace.
“I have confidence in the players we have. Everybody must be ready to contribute because the season is long, the matches will be demanding, and we need every player to understand his responsibility whenever he gets an opportunity,” he said.
Their next opponents, 3K FC, will be eager to make their mark against the defending champions. The Embu-based side earned promotion after finishing second in the 2025/26 National Super League with 77 points and began their top-flight campaign with a 2-2 draw against Mara Sugar. Akonnor expects Gor to approach Saturday’s encounter with the same seriousness they showed against SEAL, regardless of their opponents’ status.
“We must respect every opponent and approach every match with the right mentality. It does not matter whether you are playing a newly promoted team or an established side; if you are not disciplined and focused, you can make life difficult for yourself,” he said.
After the trip to Embu, Gor will face Posta Rangers away on October 24 before hosting Mombasa United on October 31. The early run of fixtures will test their consistency as they seek to retain the title, with Akonnor keen to keep his players focused amid the pressure that comes with being champions.
Tuesday’s victory was a promising start for the record Kenyan champions. The real test, however, will be maintaining that standard against opponents determined to knock them off their perch.
