Gor Mahia's Samuel Kapen celebrates his goal against KCB
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has sent a clear message to perennial rivals AFC Leopards: K’Ogalo has the mental toughness to go all the way.
Following a dominant 3-0 demolition of KCB FC at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, Akonnor addressed the intensifying FKF Premier League title race, suggesting his side now possesses the “nerves” that Ingwe will find hard to break.
Despite a 20-minute delay due to a heavy downpour, the league leaders produced a clinical first-half performance. Goals from Enock Morrison, Shariff Musa, and Samuel Kapen tore Robert Matano’s Bankers apart within 45 minutes.
“We decided to be aggressive in our style of play because we didn’t want to give them any chance to control the game,” Akonnor remarked afterwards.
“For us, when we gain possession, it’s about going forward, forward passing. We need to attack quickly.”
Gor Mahia’s “Healthy Pressure” Challenge to AFC Leopards
The victory restored Gor Mahia’s six-point cushion at the summit, just 24 hours after AFC Leopards had temporarily narrowed the gap by beating Posta Rangers. While acknowledging the pressure applied by Fred Ambani’s side, Akonnor believes the psychological edge belongs to the defending champions.
“We saw them [AFC Leopards] play on Saturday, and of course they put us under pressure after winning their game,” Akonnor admitted. “In football, there’s always pressure and we like it; it’s a healthy one. The team that has the nerves to keep going is a team that probably will go far.”
Akonnor’s “bold challenge” suggests that while Ingwe are breathing down their necks, Gor Mahia’s evolution over their current 11-match unbeaten streak has made them bulletproof.
Comparing the squad to the one he inherited, the former Ghana international noted a massive shift in the team’s character since their derby defeat in December.
“They are very, very confident. They have mental toughness,” the coach noted. “If you look at three, four, five months ago we would be a little bit worried, but now we are very confident. Our boys are processing things very well.”
What’s Next For Gor Mahia in the Title Race?
With a midweek clash against Posta Rangers pushed back to March 5th, Gor Mahia now enjoys a recovery window before facing Ulinzi Stars.
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards remains in second place, but with a game in hand on their sworn rivals.
They will also be hoping Nairobi United’s appeal to the Sports Disputes Tribunal over FKF’s decision to uphold the scores of their abandoned match against Gor Mahia in December works in Naiboys’ favor, which will effectively narrow the gap on the league leaders further.
