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Akonnor backs Gor Mahia to silence critics after Rayon Sports defeat
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 24.07.26. | 07:27
K'Ogalo endured a frustrating start to their Rwanda tour after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Rayon Sports in a friendly on Saturday, 18 July, a result that attracted criticism from the club's demanding supporters
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has expressed confidence that his side will put their disappointing pre-season defeat to Rayon Sports behind them and produce a strong showing at the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
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K'Ogalo endured a frustrating start to their Rwanda tour after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Rayon Sports in a friendly on Saturday, 18 July, a result that attracted criticism from the club's demanding supporters.
The record Kenyan champions now shift their focus to the CECAFA Kagame Cup, which runs from Friday, 24 July, to Friday, 7 August, in Kigali, where they open their campaign against Rwandan champions APR.
Speaking ahead of the tournament opener, Akonnor insisted that the mistakes that cost his side against Rayon Sports had already been addressed and that he believes his players are ready to respond.
"What happened against Rayon was an individual mistake that we have already corrected. We have a video analyst who has taken the players through what is required of them," said Akonnor.
The Ghanaian tactician also expressed confidence in the club's recruits, saying they are steadily adapting to his philosophy and will play an important role as the season progresses.
"We have strengthened a lot of areas, and we believe the new players will gradually understand what we demand from them," he added.
Gor Mahia has been among the busiest clubs in the transfer market, bolstering their squad with goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi from AFC Leopards, Lesley Otieno and Enock Machaka from Nairobi United, Hansel Ochieng from APS Bomet, and Daniel Sakari and David Okoth from Kenya Police, while Siraj Mohammed has returned after a loan spell at KCB.
The CECAFA Kagame Cup will offer Akonnor an early opportunity to assess his revamped squad against some of East Africa's top clubs before the new season gets underway.