Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has warned his side to expect an intense tactical battle as the Kenyan champions prepare to clash with Rwandan powerhouse Rayon Sports in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final on Friday at the Amahoro Stadium.
Addressing the press during Thursday’s pre-match briefing in Kigali, the Ghanaian tactician lauded Rayon Sports’ defensive compactness, highlighting their disciplined setup as a primary challenge for K’Ogalo.
“If you look at how they’ve played so far, they’ve only conceded one goal,” Akonnor noted. “They are very, very disciplined defensively, and it is so difficult to break the lines with them, especially when you want to attack. You are always struggling to penetrate because they remain compact throughout.”
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Why Gor Mahia coach Akonnor is wary of Rayon Sports
Gor Mahia reached the final following a dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout victory over Sudan’s Al-Hilal in the semi-finals, despite playing part of the match with ten men following Jackson Dwang’s red card.
Reflecting on his squad’s journey, Akonnor praised the resilience of his players under pressure.
“We haven’t reached this final by fluke; we’ve worked very, very hard to get here,” Akonnor stated. “We represent Kenya, and we are in the heartbeat of the nation right now. Irrespective of club loyalties back home, we are together as a nation, and we want to bring the cup home.”
The record Kenyan champions received a boost ahead of the clash, as second assistant captain Alpha Onyango is confirmed to be available for selection after serving his one-match suspension.
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The midfielder was shown a red card during Gor Mahia’s final group stage fixture against Djibouti’s Gardeu Républicaine.
“Alpha is eligible to play,” Akonnor confirmed. “We’ve received word that he is cleared, but we haven’t decided yet whether he will start or come off the bench.”
Gor Mahia defender Mike Kibwage, who joined his coach at the press conference, acknowledged the host side’s home advantage but insisted the squad remains motivated by the high stakes.
“We know their fans are going to back them up,it will feel like they have 12 players on the pitch,” Kibwage said. “But big players need big stages to perform. We are ready to fight with our 11 to dictate the tempo and make our fans proud.”
Gor Mahia will be aiming to end a 41-year wait for the regional crown, having last lifted the CECAFA Kagame Cup trophy in 1985. The winner of Friday’s final will take home the $30,000 grand prize.