Head coach Charles Akonnor has promised a more coherent, settled starting eleven when the Kenyan champions open their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign against Rwandan side APR FC at 8pm.
“In our first match we did a lot of changes,” Akonnor admitted on the eve of the clash. “But this time, we will not do that.”
It is a statement that will reassure the club’s passionate fanbase, who watched their team struggle for rhythm in Kigali days earlier against Rayo Sport in the exhibition match on Ray Day.
The Ghanaian tactician, however, was quick to clarify that squad rotation remains part of the plan, not out of indecision, but out of long-term necessity.
“Of course, we will give some of the new players a chance because there are many matches ahead of us. Before we leave here, everyone will get a fair chance. It’s important for the technical bench to know them well.”
The tournament, Akonnor argues, is as much about immediate results as it is about building a squad capable of navigating the rigorous demands of the season ahead, including the CAF Champions League, where Gor Mahia have ambitions of making a deep run.
The balancing act between fitness-building and competitive sharpness is a delicate one, but Akonnor insists his squad has absorbed the tactical instructions laid out for them.
“We believe our preparation was good, though a little bit challenging because it’s that time of pre-season and at the same time trying to do well in such a big tournament.”
“What happened against Rayon was an individual mistake defensively. We have done video analysis with the players, showing them exactly what we did wrong. Today, as we speak, that work is being done.”
Sylvester Owino, handed the captain’s armband following the retirement of club legend Philemon Otieno, has embraced the leadership role with characteristic calm.
The defender, still in the early years of his career, sees the CECAFA tournament as an opportunity to stamp his authority on the team.
“Playing Rayon Sports last weekend was good preparation. There were a lot of positives, especially considering we only trained for a week. The boys have picked up well and we are hoping for a good outing.”
For all the talk of squad building and pre-season rhythms, tonight’s fixture carries its own weight. Gor Mahia and APR have history, and it is a history that tilts in the Kenyan side’s favour.
Their last meeting came in December 2020, a CAF Champions League preliminary round tie that saw Gor Mahia triumph 3-1 in Nairobi, overturning a first-leg deficit to secure a 4-3 aggregate victory.
