- Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor says his game plan worked perfectly as they stunned AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby.
- Gor Mahia secured three crucial points in a 1-0 win on Sunday, April 26, at Nyayo Stadium.
- Alpha Onyango scored the decisive goal.
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor states that they did their homework well and managed to tick their boxes when they stunned their arch rivals AFC Leopards 0-1 on Sunday.
The victory not only stretched their SportPesa League summit lead to six points but also secured the bragging rights of the 99th Mashemeji Derby.
The record champions dominated proceedings for most of the match on April 26 at a packed Nyayo National Stadium, and things went their way with Alpha Onyango netting the winner in the 82nd minute.
READ MORE: AFC Leopards vs Gor Mahia: K’Ogalo stun Ingwe to go six points clear in SportPesa League title race
Akonnor boasts his tactical masterclass paid off as he sealed his first Mashemeji Derby win
Speaking to Azam TV after the clash, the Ghanaian international, who claimed his first ever Mashemeji Derby since taking over, stated that they had done thorough preparation on Ingwe, contrary to the first leg, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat.
He believes all their boxes were successfully checked on Sunday, handing him three valuable points.
“To be fair, we looked at the opening very well. Compared to what we did in the first round, we examined exactly what they were made of. And so we planned everything. In the second half, in the first half, you realize that we were sharper. We controlled the game. They couldn’t operate. And that is exactly what we schemed. It worked,” Akonnor stated.
He expressed gratitude for how his boys showed resilience and the hunger to win the match.
“I must say the boys have done so well. So, so well. I salute them because of the performance. Not just the win, but the performance and also the belief,” he reiterated.
K’Ogalo dominated the contest, especially in the first half, as they created numerous chances that could have given them an early lead but all went begging.
Still, they managed to pin Ingwe in the final third while neutralizing their key pillars this season, particularly in the midfield, where their creative engine Tyson Otieno was heavily curbed.
Meanwhile, their speedy winger James Kinyanjui also found no clear corridors to make his runs or deliver dangerous crosses into the box.
Now with fate in Gor Mahia’s hands, they are on the verge of reclaiming the SportPesa League title for a record 22nd time, and they will be aiming to stretch their six-point lead further in the remaining five fixtures of the season.