Akonnor calls for big-game mentality as Gor Mahia prepare for Pyramids

Akonnor insists the upcoming encounter is more than just an ordinary league fixture believing the match provides a crucial platform for his players to demonstrate their quality, while also catching the attention of national team coaches who will be watching the game.

“It is a moment for our players to show exactly what they are made of and we believe that this is not a normal match and it’s beyond a league match because it’s an international game. It is also important for our players to do well knowing that the national team coaches are also watching,” said Akonnor.

This clash will be the first leg of a two-legged affair in the first preliminary round with Gor Mahia set to travel to Cairo to face the former champions in the return leg on September 13.

The coach's remarks come as Gor Mahia prepare for what promises to be a highly competitive encounter, with Pyramids expected to arrive in Nairobi on Thursday, September 3.

The Egyptian outfit won its maiden CAF Champions League title in 2025 after defeating South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 on aggregate in the final  and team captain Shariff Musa said the squad is already in the right frame of mind, with the quality of the opposition providing extra motivation ahead of the match.

“The players are excited and focused on the match because of the kind of opponent that is coming. So the mood is right and it’s very important to have that mood going towards a game of this magnitude,” said Musa.

Despite acknowledging the strength of their opponents, Gor Mahia Team manager Philemon Otieno remain confident of securing victory at home saying the Kenyan giants have enough quality within their squad to compete strongly and collect maximum points.

“They are a good side and we respect them, but we as Gor Mahia have enough quality to match them and even get maximum points and win with a good margin at home,” said Otieno. 

With the technical bench, players and management all expressing confidence, Gor Mahia will be looking to turn their positive mood into a strong performance on the pitch.