Gor Mahia FC has expressed its support for head coach Charles Akonnor following the team's 7-1 aggregate defeat to Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round. The Kenyan Premier League champions lost 2-0 in Nairobi and 5-1 in Cairo, leading to their early continental exit. Despite the heavy defeat, the club remains confident in Akonnor's abilities.
Club Secretary General Nicannor Arum emphasized that Akonnor recently guided the club to a league title and a run to the regional finals, where they lost to Rwandan side Rayon Sports. Arum believes that Akonnor's achievements in the past season justify his continued role as the team's head coach. He also pointed out that Akonnor had limited competitive exposure with his players prior to the tournament.
A section of Gor Mahia fans had called for Akonnor's dismissal following the early continental exit, but Arum insisted that the coach needs time to develop the team. He highlighted the difference in football culture between Kenya and Egypt, where Pyramids FC's well-established squad gave them an edge in the competition.
Akonnor hinted after the match that certain players may have been compromised during the loss to Pyramids FC. Tensions at the club remain high, as several squad members have reportedly been sidelined on disciplinary grounds following the result. The club is currently dealing with internal issues while preparing for the upcoming domestic campaign.
The defeat has also raised concerns about the delay in the domestic campaign, with Arum stating that the continuous postponement of the league restart is becoming financially unsustainable for community-run clubs and frustrates sponsors. He emphasized that sponsors are paying players who are currently idle, and the club needs to get back to action soon.
Arum revealed that Gor Mahia suffered direct financial losses when a late court order halted the league just hours before their scheduled opener, forcing them to forfeit stadium hire fees and preparation costs. He attributed the court order to malicious characters who do not want the league to restart.
Arum called for urgent dialogue among the warring stakeholders to reach an amicable solution and allow the league to resume without further delay. The club is eager to get back to action and hopes that the issues will be resolved soon.
Key points
- Gor Mahia FC has thrown its weight behind head coach Charles Akonnor despite a humiliating exit from the CAF Champions League.
- The club's Secretary General, Nicannor Arum, believes that Akonnor needs time to develop the team and that he has achieved success in the past season.
- The delay in the domestic campaign is becoming financially unsustainable for the club, and Arum is calling for urgent dialogue to resolve the issues.
