Akonnor admits title race pressure taking mental toll on Gor Mahia
By Luke Oluoch, May 18, 2026Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has opened up about the mental hurdles his side had to overcome during their hard-fought 3-1 victory over Murang’a Seal on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
The crucial win moved K’Ogalo within just a single point of retaining their league title, but the high-stakes encounter took a visible psychological toll on the defending champions.
Despite taking an early lead through Samuel Kapen in the 18th minute, Gor Mahia were pegged back around the half-hour mark when the FKF Premier League’s top scorer, Joe Waithira, struck the equaliser for the visitors.
Reflecting on the match, Akonnor described the clash as another test that demanded the absolute best of his squad’s mental fortitude, a trait he noted his players have consistently proven they possess.
“We resumed the game after the restart, having gifted them a goal. You also know AFC had closed down the lead to just one point, and we had to mentally prepare them for it. If you have players who are not mentally ready, they could give up. They showed their mental strength, and at the end of the day, they were able to deliver. I am thankful to the players and our fans who turn up in numbers to support us,” he stated.
The tactician added that his technical bench had meticulously prepared the team to counter Murang’a Seal’s distinct possession-based approach and fluid ball-playing tactics.
Murang’a coach hits out at Gor
“We knew what the Seals could do and the threat they posed as a ball-playing team. We had an idea of how to press them. But we gave them a goal,” he stated.
His sentiments contrasted those of his nemesis at the other dugout, Dennis Odhiambo, who claimed Gor Mahia adopted anti-football tactics in their throwing during the game.
Speaking after the clash, Odhiambo faulted Gor for taking their throw-in at an advanced position, with one of them resulting in Shariff Musa’s second-half goal.
“We had issues with how Gor Mahia approached their throw-ins: they were making them far away from the position where the ball had gone out, and our complaints to the officials fell on deaf ears. It is good if the match officials lend a listening ear,” he stated.