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Why Gor Mahia will not fire coach Akonnor despite Mashemeji Derby defeat
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 09.12.25. | 08:14
For Gor Mahia, the defeat marked their second consecutive loss having suffered a 4-1 loss to APS Bomet prior to the derby
Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has dismissed calls to fire head coach Charles Akonnor following Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby defeat to AFC Leopards at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The loss sparked frustration among K’Ogalo supporters, who were left disappointed after falling to their archrivals.
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K’Ogalo entered the derby as favourites, having enjoyed a stronger start to the campaign compared to Leopards.
However, Ingwe displayed greater grit and determination from kickoff, and their efforts paid off when Julius Masaba struck midway through the first half.
Leopards held onto the lead for the remainder of the game, securing both the points and the bragging rights.
The win marked their first derby victory in two years, ending a three-match winless streak that had begun to pile pressure on coach Fred Ambani, who has maintained an undefeated derby record both as a player and coach.
For Gor Mahia, the defeat was their second consecutive loss after the earlier 4-1 setback against APS Bomet.
Many fans interviewed after the match argued that Akonnor should be shown the door, particularly because of the emotional weight the derby carries and Gor’s decade-long dominance in the fixture.
Rachier, however, has firmly shut down those calls, insisting the Ghanaian tactician will not be dismissed.
“Losing a match does not necessarily lead to the sacking of a coach,” he said.
He further pointed out that the club remains in a strong position.
Gor Mahia sit second on the table with 19 points, just one behind leaders Kenya Police FC. Both sides still hold two games in hand. According to the chairman, this is hardly the moment for upheaval.
“As you know, I think we have lost three games, and what position are we in the league? We might be third or fourth with some games to play, and you cannot say that the solution is to sack the coach,” he added.
Rachier noted that while changes are not imminent, the coach is expected to draw lessons and steady the team quickly.
“We will ask him to read, learn, and improve. If we were sacking coaches every time they lost, then maybe the Premier League would have only one coach surviving out of the 18, because all of them have lost.”
Gor Mahia will hope to redeem themselves when they face Bandari in Ukunda this weekend.
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