Charles Akonnor hails Gor Mahia spirit after derby win over AFC Leopards

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has praised his team’s performance following their narrow but significant 1-0 victory over AFC Leopards in the 99th Mashemeji Derby over the weekend.

The FKF Premier League top-of-the-table encounter, staged at Nyayo National Stadium, lived up to its billing as both sides fought intensely for control.

However, Gor Mahia emerged victorious thanks to a late strike from Alpha Chris Onyango in the 83rd minute, sealing bragging rights and valuable revenge against their long-time rivals.

Akonnor was full of admiration for his players’ execution of the game plan, stressing that the win was built on preparation, discipline, and belief.

“We looked at the opponent very well, compared with what we did in the first round, we looked at exactly what they were made of, and so, we strategised everything,” Akonnor said.

“In the first half, you realised that we were better, we controlled the game, they couldn’t breathe, and that is exactly what we planned. I must say the boys have done very well. I salute them because of the performance.”

He added that despite missing early chances, the team maintained confidence and kept pushing until the breakthrough arrived.

“Not just the win, but the performance, and also the belief, you know in the first half we had a lot of chances, we couldn’t score, but they believed, and worked so hard, and at the end we were rewarded with a goal."

The result strengthens Gor Mahia’s position at the summit of the league table with 61 points, opening a six-point gap over second-placed AFC Leopards, who remain on 55 points after 29 matches.

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