Akonnor gushes over substitutes’ impact as Gor Mahia edge closer to Premier League history
By Luke Oluoch, May 11, 2026Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has attributed the team’s Sunday, May 10, 2026, draw against Kenya Police to the good display from his substitute players who stepped up from the bench.
Gor’s match winner came late on as Ebenezer Assifuah, for the umpteenth time, bagged a crucial goal from the bench to see K’ogalo
The Ghanaians snatched the crucial point for the league leaders, who found proceedings tough against a resilient Police side, breaking their resistance late on.
Substitute impacts
Brian Chonjo had sent the law enforcers in front in the first half, and the tie seemed destined for the law enforcers to become party poopers for the league hopefuls.
“We had ideas of what to do in the second half against an opponent who never gave us too much space. They sat deep and defended well against us. The goals were not coming, but we managed to nick it late, which was good for us,” he said regarding the details of the match.
Speaking about the alterations made, Akonnor described Gor Mahia as side exhibiting the hallmarks of a good side backed with polayers can influence games from the bench.
“Each and every player comes in with instructions and additional efforts from the bench. Sometimes you win games from the bench; it is how matches are won. Players like Assifuah and Ben Stanley did a good job for us. This is a good team; in situations when the things are difficult and you manage to get the goals, it shows a good sign of the team,” he added.
Smelling the gong
Gor is now smelling the title with only three games to conclude the league season.’
K’Ogalo could wrap up the title race in the next game if AFC Leopards drop points.
The 21-time champions remain in command with 65 points, followed by rivals AFC Leopards, who moved to 58 points after beating Mara Sugar on Saturday.
The late goal proved particularly crucial as Gor looked to snap their recent struggles in front of goals. The club had failed to score a goal in their league game against Kakamega Homeboyz, with Ebenezer Adukwaw and Samuel Kapen tasked with leading the line.
It was Assifuah who came up with the match’s turning point with just six minutes to play. controlling from a cross that was not cleared to fire home and sending the Green Army fans into an uncontained frenzy.