Gor Mahia appoint former Ghana Black Stars tactician as new head coach

Record FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia have confirmed the appointment of Ghanaian tactician Charles Akonnor as their new head coach, marking a bold new chapter for the club following a turbulent 2024/25 campaign.

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Akonnor replaces Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno, who, along with his entire technical bench, was shown the door after a disappointing season that saw K'Ogalo finish trophyless—a rare occurrence for the club and the first time they ended a campaign empty-handed since 2016.

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The former Black Stars head coach joins the Kenyan giants on a two-year contract, arriving from Ghanaian Division One outfit Accra Athletic FC, where he has served as the technical director since 2024.

The 51-year-old's appointment was officially announced by Gor Mahia on Friday, 1 August.

"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Charles Akonnor from Ghana as our new head coach on a two-year contract effective today,” read a club statement.

“The former Ghana Black Stars manager brings a wealth of experience, both as a top-level player and a seasoned tactician, making him the ideal leader to guide us into a new era of success. Welcome to Mahia, Coach Akonnor.”

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Akonnor brings an extensive coaching résumé and continental pedigree. He began his coaching journey with Sekondi Eleven Wise before taking on a brief stint as technical director. His early years in management included a short spell at Dreams FC in 2012.

His breakthrough came with Ashanti Gold SC, where he led the club to a second-place league finish during the 2017/18 season, earning wide acclaim for his tactical acumen.

A year later, he was appointed head coach of Asante Kotoko, leading the Ghanaian giants to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages and winning the Coach of the Year gong at the Ghana Football Awards.

In 2019, Akonnor joined the Ghana national team as assistant coach and was later elevated to the top job in 2020.

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During his tenure, he oversaw the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and steered Ghana through part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, registering four wins, two draws, and two losses before his dismissal.

In addition to his club duties, Akonnor has served as a CAF technical consultant, strengthening his credentials as one of the continent’s well-rounded football minds.

Joining him at Gor Mahia is fellow Ghanaian Kobia Mensah Bismark, who takes up the role of assistant coach.

The backroom team has also been bolstered by the appointment of Ben Owu as goalkeeper coach and Brian Odongo as the club’s new team doctor.

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Odongo, a certified sports medicine specialist, arrives from Nairobi City Stars, where he served in a similar capacity.