Gor Mahia Coach Charles Akonnor lamented the condition of the playing surface at the Mbaraki Sports Complex after his side settled for a 1-1 draw against Bandari FC on Sunday.
The result marks the third consecutive match where the league leaders have dropped points, though it offers a slight reprieve following back-to-back home losses against APS Bomet and fierce rivals AFC Leopards.
Akonnor named an almost unchanged side from the team that lost the Mashemeji Derby, with Alpha Onyango replacing Fidel Origa.
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia drop points in third straight game after being held by Bandari in Mombasa
Gor Mahia took the lead in the first half courtesy of Ghanaian forward Ebenezer Adukwaw. However, the Dockers fought back after the break, with former Gor Mahia youth player Geoffrey Ojunga leveling the scores with a second-half header.
Gor Mahia Coach Charles Akonnor blames unfavorable Mbaraki pitch
The Ghanaian coach stated that the match plan was thwarted by condition of the playing surface.
“We had a good game plan and out of that we scored in the first half. We couldn’t play our game because of the field so we had to go direct. In the second half, because of the sun, the players got tired, the energy we had in the first half was a little bit down and they managed to equalize.”
Akonnor who rued missed chances in particular Patrick Essombe’s second half chance was however greatful for the point gained.
“Despite the setback going into this match, looking at the circumstances, a point is a good start.”
He, however, expressed frustration over the equalizing goal, hinting at a defensive lapse that could have been avoided.
“How we conceded was a bit strange, we had asked Morrison,to drop but he didn’t and then Ojunga headed the ball and they scored. If he had been positioned where we wanted, we would have cleared the ball.”
Kogalo will host Kakamega Homeboyz in the midweek fixture on Wednesday,18th before completing their matches for the calendar year against debutants Nairobi United on 22nd December.
The Sportpesa League will then proceed to a two week hiatus to pave way for the Christmas break.
