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Sakari emulates Jurrien Timber’s scriptures ahead of Gor Mahia-Pyramids duel
13th September, 2026 12:10 PM
Gor Mahia defender Daniel Sakari has turned to scripture for inspiration as the Kenyan champions prepare for their uphill task against Egyptian champions Pyramids FC in CAF Champions League at the 30 June Stadium.
K’Ogalo will be squaring it out against their hosts in Cairo on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in the second leg of the competition’s first preliminary round. Gor Mahia will be seeking to overturn a 2-0 deficit they suffered at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in Nairobi.
Hours into the fixture in Egypt, Sakari shared a Bible passage from the Book of Daniel on his social media platforms, emulating a tradition which has long been practised by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber before any clash.
The defender posted:
“Then I, Daniel, looked, and there before me stood two others, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank. One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?” Sakari’s post read from Daniel 12:5-6.
Akonnor demands reaction
Meanwhile, the side’s head coach Charles Akonnor has challenged his players to show character and maintain their concentration as they attempt to overturn their 2-0 first-leg defeat.
The Kenyan champions head into the second leg facing a difficult task, with Akonnor aware that there will be little room for mistakes against opponents with extensive experience in both domestic and continental football.
The Ghanaian coach has said Gor have used their final training sessions to prepare for the challenge and believes his players are ready to compete for the result they need.
“We have prepared well for the game. We know what is ahead of us and we know the kind of opponent we are going to face,” Akonnor said.
Akonnor stressed that Gor will need to raise their performance levels in the return fixture, with mental strength likely to play a major role in determining whether they can keep their continental hopes alive.
“The second leg will require determination, the right mindset and a high level of concentration. If we can do the right things on the pitch, then we will give ourselves a chance.”
The coach has also warned his players against dwelling on what happened in the opening encounter, insisting that the deficit should not undermine their belief ahead of the decisive match.
For Gor, the assignment will require more than simply finding the back of the net. They must also remain organised, disciplined and alert for the entire match while making the most of the chances that come their way.
Akonnor believes a strong start and sustained concentration could be crucial, particularly given how quickly the balance of a continental tie can change.
