Gor Mahia head coach explains benching Austin Odhiambo
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 18.12.25. | 20:06
The attacking midfielder was introduced in the 75th minute, with Gor Mahia already ahead, replacing Ben Stanley Omondi
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has explained his decision to leave attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo out of the starting line-up during their FKF Premier League clash against Kakamega Homeboyz.
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The record league champions returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to Alpha Chris Onyango’s decisive first-half strike.
Alpha broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, beating Homeboyz goalkeeper Simon Masaka with a thunderbolt from outside the box to give K’Ogalo the lead.
That goal proved sufficient on the day and offered much-needed relief for K'Ogalo, who had gone three matches without a win before the encounter.
However, Akonnor’s team selection drew attention, particularly the decision to bench team captain Odhiambo.
The attacking midfielder was introduced in the 75th minute, with Gor Mahia already ahead, replacing Ben Stanley Omondi.
Addressing questions over Odhiambo’s absence from the starting XI, Akonnor downplayed the decision and insisted the player remains central to his plans.
“Austin is one of us. Today, he was on the bench,” Akonnor said after the match.
The coach went on to suggest that squad rotation and player workload influenced his decision, citing the demanding nature of the season and the involvement of several Gor Mahia players with Harambee Stars.
The Ghanaian explained that while the players are physically fit, balancing club football with international duty places a heavy load on them, which the technical bench must carefully manage.
“It’s a long season, and don’t forget we have like seven players in the national team,” he said. “If you combine what they do with the national team and back, which is good, we are proud they are national players, it’s a lot of load."
“It’s not to say they are not fit. These guys have been playing for over a year without a break. You have to consider a lot of things, and sometimes, it’s fatigue.”
Gor Mahia will now turn their attention to a high-stakes ‘grudge match’ against Nairobi United on Sunday, 21 December, at Nyayo National Stadium, as they seek redemption following their FKF Cup final defeat earlier this year.
