Akonnor praises Gor Mahia’s tactical discipline in 2-0 win over Mathare United

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has praised his side’s composure and tactical discipline following their 2-0 victory over Mathare United on Thursday, extending their FKF Premier League winning streak to four matches.

Sharif Musa and Bryson Wangaya were on target for K’Ogalo in a match that saw the league giants take control in the second half after a closely contested opening period at Kasarani Stadium.

Akonnor, speaking after the match, credited his players for executing the game plan effectively, especially after making key tactical adjustments during the break.

“In the first half, we had chances but didn’t score,” he said. “We were aware of how the opponent plays; they keep the ball and build up well. We struggled to get close to them, but we managed to use the wide areas, which gave us opportunities. In the second half, we were patient, and when they switched to a back three, it favoured us. We exploited the wings and got our goals.”

The Ghanaian tactician, who took charge of Gor Mahia earlier this season, said he was pleased with the team’s progress, but acknowledged there is still room for improvement.

“The boys are processing exactly what we are telling them to do,” Akonnor added. “They believe in themselves, and it’s going well. We just need to keep the momentum and move on. We are not perfect yet; football is a learning process. We as coaches are learning, and so are the players.”

Addressing concerns about Gor’s attack, Akonnor said he was content with the team’s growing sharpness in front of goal.

“I didn’t say I’m not satisfied,” he clarified. “We’ve been missing chances, but that’s part of the game. We need to be clinical up front, not just the strikers, but also midfielders and defenders when they get the opportunity. We’re patient with them, and the goals are starting to come. Last week we scored three, today two, so we’re not bad at all.”

He further highlighted Gor Mahia’s defensive organisation and team unity as central to their recent success, noting that even substitutes understand the system and integrate smoothly when called upon.

“We are defending very well as a team,” he said. “The opponents are not creating many chances against us, and everyone on the bench understands our play. It’s going well, and we just have to keep improving.”

Despite four consecutive wins, Akonnor maintained that Gor Mahia are not getting carried away.

“We’re not sending any statement; we’re just playing our football,” he said. “Even in our first match that we lost, we played well and created chances. The important thing is to keep playing our way and improving every game.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Enock Morrison, who was instrumental in the midfield battle, echoed his coach’s sentiments, attributing the win to teamwork, belief, and tactical discipline in the second half.

“First of all, we thank God for the victory,” Morrison said. “It was not an easy game in the first half; they were tactically strong, but we were stronger in the second half. We just followed the instructions from the technical bench, and that’s what helped us get the three points.”

The Ghanaian playmaker also downplayed talk of pressure on the team, saying the players are enjoying their football and staying focused.

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“We’re not under any pressure,” he insisted. “When you keep winning, everyone around you is happy, the fans, the management, everyone. I think the teams playing against us are the ones under pressure because we’re defending well and playing well.”

Morrison added that Gor Mahia’s tendency to dominate in the second half is not a tactical ploy but a result of their physical strength and better concentration as the game wears on.

“It’s not a game plan,” he explained. “It just shows that we’re strong both tactically and physically. At the start, every opponent has energy, but as the game goes on, we show that we’re stronger and more focused; that’s why we win games.”

With the victory over the Slam Boys, Gor Mahia continue their fine run of form, four wins, one loss, and four clean sheets, keeping them firmly in the early-season title race.

Akonnor and his men will now look to maintain their momentum when they return to action next week, with belief growing both on and off the pitch that K’Ogalo are steadily rediscovering their old dominance.