Gor Mahia coach addresses concerns around in-form striker, Assifuah
By Luke Oluoch, January 31, 2026Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has addressed the situation around the frequent absence of newly signed striker Ebenezzer Assifuah from the team’s starting lineup.
Speaking ahead of the clash against Sofapaka on Saturday, January 30, 2026, at Nyayo Stadium, Akonnor revealed that the club was handling the Ghanaian case with utmost concern, explaining why he has been limited to starting matches from the substitute bench.
The striker is among the league’s most in-form attackers with three goals in as many games. His absence from the starting team has, however, elicited concerns from the Green Army’s faithful, especially after the team’s offensive struggles against Bidco United.
Fitness concerns
“For Assifuah, he has a little bit of fitness issues. So we are managing his fitness levels with caution,” he explained.
While acknowledging the striker’s arrival as crucial in enhancing K’Ogalo’s title push, Akonnor implored the fans to understand, asserting that the decision emanates from the team’s medical department.
“Assifuah has been a crucial component. He has come in when the defenders are tired and provided the magic we needed by leveraging his experience well when we needed him to do it,” he stated.
Message to fans
“I know the fans are concerned why we are not starting him, but we have to manage him well,” he reassured.
He also provided further updates on defender Lewis Bandi, who is expected to make his long-awaited return to the team after his transfer from AFC Leopards, and the injured pair of Felix Oluoch and Bryson Wagai.
“We will be adding (Lewis) Bandi to the squad. It is possible he will be with the team this time around. Those with long-term injuries, like Wangai and Felix, it will take a bit of time to get them back,” he added.
Gor will also be without the services of Felix Oluoch and midfielder Alpha Onyango, who will sit out of the tie through suspension after their sending off against Bidco.
The 21-time champions heads to the clash looking to extend their stay at the top of the league standings amid a tough challenge from an in-form AFC Leopards team, who are hot on their heels with a point less.