Gor Mahia’s Akonnor opens up on FKF PL pressure from AFC Leopards amid tense title run
By Luke Oluoch, February 23, 2026Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has admitted to feeling pressure from their perennial rivals, AFC Leopards, describing it as welcome amid the intense FKF Premier League title run-in.
Speaking after restoring their six-point gap at the helm of the league standings with a 3-0 win over KCB on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Ghanaian tactician opined that the tight league race will ultimately be decided by the side with the mental fortitude in these decisive final stages.
Feeling the heat!
“In football, there is always pressure. It is healthy, and we welcome it. We need to be focused on every game we play. It is not going to be easy. The team with the nerves to keep going is the one that will surely go far, and I believe we have what it takes,” he stated.
With Gor Mahia playing on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium—a day after Leopards edged Posta Rangers at the same venue—Akonnor admitted the significance of the clash for his title-chasing side could not be overstated. “We saw them play yesterday (on Saturday), and of course they put us under pressure after winning their game,” he added.
Akonnor also hailed a new spirit and determination within his Gor team, asserting that his side is now a completely different outfit from where they were months ago.
On Gor Mahia’s improvement
“Our boys, in every aspect of our game and the things we are doing, are processing things very well. They are confident, which gives us more assurance. Three or four months ago, we would have been worried a lot, but now we are confident, as the team is showing good understanding and progress,” he added.
His sentiments come after he also lauded Gor‘s strategy as key to the team’s splendid run of form in the league so far.
Gor registered their 11th league game without tasting defeat with the win over KCB, marking a new high of six consecutive league wins under the Ghanaian gaffer.
The league leaders can, however, not afford to rest on their laurels with Fred Ambani’s AFC Leopards hot on their heels in second place, with only six points adrift.
Ingwe edged Posta Rangers in their Saturday encounter to stay within the reach of the log leaders, with stunning strikes from Kelly Madada and Kayci Odhiambo sealing the famous win.