Gor Mahia Target Comeback Against Pyramids as Akonnor Urges Players to Stay Ready

Gor Mahia players during a training session at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. Photo / Courtesy

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor is confident his side can overturn a 2-0 deficit when they face Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the second leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round clash at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday night.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm Kenyan time, with Gor Mahia needing at least three unanswered goals to secure their place in the next round.

The Ghanaian tactician acknowledged the difficult task facing his team after Pyramids secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg in Nairobi. However, he believes Gor Mahia still have a chance and hinted at tactical adjustments for the return leg.

Akonnor said the team must remain defensively disciplined while taking advantage of opportunities when they arise.

“Training was encouraging… we might change one or two in this game. We want to be defensively sound and then of course have an idea of attacking. We don’t have much to lose but we want to be very careful and when the opportunity arises, we attack and we do it at the right time,” said Akonnor.

Speaking in Cairo ahead of the decisive encounter, the coach expressed confidence in his players and the preparations they have made for the match.

“We have spoken to the players, even individually… and the message is clear as to what they should do. It’s a tough one and very challenging but everything is possible in football. I believe in the boys and I believe in our preparation… If we do the right thing at the right time, then we have a chance. Mentally, we have to be ready,” he added.

Defender Frank Odhiambo also expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, insisting that Gor Mahia are determined to produce a strong performance.

Odhiambo noted that football is a game of chances and believes the Kenyan champions can overturn the first-leg deficit if they minimise mistakes and make the most of their opportunities.

“So far, the week has been good since we started in Nairobi and up to here… we want to do well; we have set a challenge for ourselves. Football is a game of chances and we can overturn the scoreline. We just want to minimize our mistakes and capitalize on our chances,” stated Odhiambo.

Forward Musa Shariff called for composure and the right mentality as Gor Mahia seek to keep their Champions League campaign alive.

“The first leg didn’t go well, but we just have to compose ourselves and go into the match with the right attitude and try to get a win out of it. It’s a game of 90 minutes and anything is possible in football,” said Shariff.

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Gor Mahia face a difficult challenge against a Pyramids side that will take a two-goal advantage into the return leg. However, Akonnor’s players will be hoping to produce a disciplined and attacking display capable of turning the tie around.

The Kenyan side will need to score at least twice to force the tie level, while three unanswered goals would give them a direct route to qualification.

With everything at stake in Cairo, Gor Mahia will be counting on their experience, composure and attacking efficiency to complete what would be a memorable comeback.

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