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Akonnor reveals what makes him happy after Gor Mahia’s success in Green Legacy Cup
17th August, 2026 08:53 AM
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has highlighted his side’s resilience as the key takeaway from their thrilling Green Legacy Cup victory over Migori Youth on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium.
K’Ogalo claimed the trophy by beating the top-flight newcomers 4–3 on penalties following a dramatic 2–2 draw in regulation time.
Gor Mahia were left stunned during a frantic six-minute spell in the first half when Migori Youth took the lead in the 32nd minute through former Tusker forward Dennis Oguta. Philip Nyakwaka doubled the advantage six minutes later, bundling the ball home from close range after the Gor defense failed to clear their lines.
Gor’s fightback
Paul Okoth gave Gor a lifeline at the stroke of half-time, nodding home from a right-wing cross to halve the deficit. It proved the perfect response as Gor pulled themselves level just after the restart via Ebenezer Assifuah.
Reflecting on his side’s fightback to force the penalty shootout, the Ghanaian tactician praised the squad’s mental fortitude:
“The fact that we came back to equalise shows a bit of character from our players, and we are happy with that,” Akonnor said.
He also brushed off concerns about needing spot-kicks to overcome the reigning National Super League champions.
“At the end, the penalties present equal chances for both teams, and I don’t see it as too much of a big deal,” he added.
Gor Mahia proved flawless from 12 yards, with Ebenezer Ocran coolly converting the decisive spot-kick to crown K’Ogalo as the Green Legacy Cup champions.
Babu lauds cup experience
On the opposing side, Migori Youth head coach Ibrahim Babu refused to dwell on the painful loss, instead focusing on the invaluable experience gained against top-tier opposition as his side prepares for their debut season in the FKF Premier League.
“We are still building. After earning promotion to the top flight, we are working hard to build up our confidence level, and this was a very good test against a top-tier team and one with many fans. Overall, it has been a good experience and test for my team,” Babu noted.
Meanwhile, the success came as a redemption of sorts for K’Ogalo, fresh after seeing their regional chase of the CECAFA Kagame Cup ending in disappointment on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Rwanda.
The 22-time Kenyan champions fell 2-1 to Rayon Sports, extending their wait for the regional title to now over multiple decades.
