Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor expressed his delight following his side’s crucial 3-1 victory over Murang’a Seal at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, a result that pushed the league leaders four points clear at the summit with just two matches remaining.

The win was particularly significant after second-placed AFC Leopards had recently closed the gap to just one point. However, K’Ogalo rose to the occasion and Akonnor was full of praise for his players’ mental resilience.

“The win was very important for us. We knew what the opponents can do, they like to have the ball and play but we were not too worried. We just needed to be compact and press,” Akonnor said.

“We started very well in the first half, but we gave them a goal. At the break, we talked to the players, prepared their mental toughness and made them aware.

“Before this match, AFC closed the gap to one point and if you are not careful, players who are not strong mentally can give up. But they were composed, we spoke to them and mentally they were ready to deliver.”

The Ghanaian tactician also took a moment to acknowledge the 12th man, applauding the faithful who turned out in large numbers to roar the team forward.

“We are also happy with our fans who came out in numbers to support us. Their support is big,” he added.

On the use of striker Ebenezer Assifuah, who came off the bench to score Gor’s third goal, Akonnor explained that the team is carefully managing the experienced forward’s minutes.

“Assifuah is a very experienced and intelligent player and we have to manage him well. We have to manage his strength. He can play 90 minutes, don’t get it wrong but if we have people who can run at the defenders, then he comes in to score, that’s good. He has shown and proved it.”

Gor Mahia will next face Mara Sugar this coming weekend. Currently top of the standings with 68 points, K’Ogalo remain four ahead of AFC Leopards as they close in on a historic 22nd league title.