Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor expressed a sense of relief and satisfaction following his side’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Kenya Police FC at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Reflecting on the importance of the result in the context of the title race, Akonnor emphasized that avoiding defeat is paramount when being pursued by rivals.
“Well, it’s always good not to lose, you know, especially in our position knowing that another opponent is following us, chasing us. It’s very, very important.”
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Gor Mahia coach Akonnor was satisfied with the stalemate against Kenya Police FC
The former Black Stars captain admitted that the opening period presented significant hurdles due to Kenya Police organisation.
“In the first half, we found it a little bit difficult; there was no space for us because the opponent were deep and they were well organized. They play without the ball very well and it made it difficult for us.”
However, he was full of praise for the resilience his players displayed to claw back into the game.
“Of course, in the second half, we all saw it,when we were able to correct our mistakes, get it right, we controlled the game till we got an equalizer.”
Akonnor highlighted the mental strength of the squad after falling down one goal noting, “The boys have shown a lot of braveness in terms of how they played. Matches like that, sometimes you go with a loss, and we have managed to get a draw.”
The absence of midfield mainstay Enock Morrison due to suspension was a key talking point, but Akonnor was quick to defend the performance of his available squad members and the depth of his roster.
“I think Lawrence and the others did a very good job. We have a team that everybody is capable of playing anywhere and so they did very well.”
Akonnor asserted, specifically commending the efforts of Lawrence Juma, Alpha Onyango and Jackson Dwang.
He also noted that the impact of the bench was instrumental in turning the tide, stating, “Of course, Ben Stanley also came in, pushed the team forward with Assifuah and I think we are very lucky to have players like that.
Players who are good listeners; they know exactly when we tell them something, they process it very well and we are happy with the draw.”
The coach also addressed his decision to acknowledge the performance of the match officials with a post-match greeting on the pitch, explaining that it is important to recognize when the game is handled fairly.
“I mean, sometimes we’ve been a little bit on a negative side, and when things get okay, you also need to show your appreciation and that is what I did. I think football is also meant to be fair sometimes, and so that’s what I did.”
Gor Mahia now enters the final phase of their title charge with three matches remaining on the calendar. Their next hurdle is an away fixture against Murang’a SEAL scheduled for Sunday, May 17, followed by another trip to face Mara Sugar on May 23.
K’Ogalo will then conclude their season at home against Nairobi United on May 30, where they hope to officially lift their record-extending 22nd league trophy.