Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has expressed his satisfaction following his side’s dominant performance against Shabana FC in the SportPesa League clash dubbed the SportPesa Derby at Nyayo Stadium.
The league leaders delivered a composed and tactically disciplined display to secure maximum points in a hard-fought encounter that further strengthened their grip at the top of the table.
Gor Mahia claimed a 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Jackson Dwang and Alpha Onyango, while Wickliffe Omondi scored Shabana’s consolation goal in a match that lived up to its billing with intensity and competitive spirit from both sides.
The result underlined Gor Mahia’s consistency this season and their growing confidence under the former Ghana international.
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Charles Akonnor pleased with Gor Mahia masterclass against Shabana
Speaking after the match, Akonnor praised his players for executing the game plan effectively and showing tactical maturity throughout the contest.
“Our boys have processed a lot of things very well. We are very confident with how they play. Tactically, we were very smart. They are getting better and better, and when an opponent comes with any style of play, we are able to manage it. That is very good for the team,” said the former Ghanaian international.
The match was not without its challenges, as Shabana pushed hard in different phases of the game and occasionally matched Gor Mahia’s tempo, forcing the league leaders to remain alert, especially in the second half.
However, Akonnor was impressed by how his players handled the pressure and maintained control when it mattered most.
“The opponents were really coming at us, and what was important was how we coped with the pressure. They have done very well, and we are very pleased with how we played this match and won it,” he added.
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The victory has significant implications in the title race, as Gor Mahia opened a 10-point gap over their arch-rivals AFC Leopards, who are yet to play their Sunday fixture against Tusker FC at Nyayo National Stadium. The result puts Gor Mahia in a strong position as the season enters its decisive stages.
Gor Mahia now lead the SportPesa League standings with 56 points after 25 matches, having registered 17 wins, five draws, and only three losses, the best defensive and overall record in the league so far.
The record champions have also scored 44 goals, the highest in the league, while conceding just 18, highlighting their balance in both attack and defense.
For Shabana, the defeat marked their seventh loss of the season and saw them drop to Fourth place on the table. The Glamour Boys have recorded 11 wins, seven draws, and seven losses, and will now be looking to quickly regroup as they aim to remain competitive in the top-three race.
With momentum on their side and confidence growing in the squad Gor Mahia appear firmly on course in their pursuit of another league title, while Shabana will need to bounce back quickly to keep their ambitions alive ahead of the nine remaining league fixtures