Gor Mahia head coach opens up on most painful moment during title-winning season

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has pointed to the Mashemeji Derby defeat to AFC Leopards in December 2025 as his only regret from an otherwise successful title-winning season.

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The Ghanaian tactician admitted that the first-leg loss, where Julius Masaba scored the lone goal for Leopards, remains the most painful moment of the campaign due to the emotional weight of the fixture and its significance to supporters.

“It was crazy (a defeat to Leopards in the first round). It was a difficult moment for us, especially because we knew that that meant a lot to our fans, and it also had the bragging rights to the fans," the coach said in an interview with NTV's Sport On.

Akonnor said the setback became a turning point in Gor Mahia’s season, forcing deeper reflection and sharper focus as AFC Leopards mounted a strong and sustained challenge for the title.

“I am happy we've won, but it hasn't been easy. The journey has been difficult. Also, there was a good competition from our friends, AFC Leopards.”

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He added that Leopards’ consistency in the title race pushed Gor into tactical adjustments, including a shift from an aggressive high-press system to a more controlled and pragmatic approach aimed at managing key matches better.

“That made us even think deeper as to the things we would do. But I must say the boys have done very well. They have coped with every challenge.”

Gor Mahia later avenged the derby defeat in the return leg, with Alpha Onyango scoring the only goal in a narrow win that mirrored the first meeting and restored K'Ogalo's pride in the fixture.

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Reflecting on that turnaround, Akonnor revealed the level of preparation that went into the second derby clash.

“In the second phase, before we met them, we didn't sleep. We thought a lot. We watched them very well, tactically, with the approach of the game. And of course, what was important was how we prepared them (players) for that match.”

Gor Mahia ultimately clinched the league title on 69 points, finishing five points ahead of AFC Leopards after a tightly contested season shaped by the rivalry.

The triumph earned them a record-extending 22nd league crown, Ksh 15 million in prize money, and a place in the CAF Champions League.

Tens of millions Gor Mahia earned from ticket sales in 2025/26 season