Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has urged his players to tune out external noise and deliver a performance worthy of ending the club’s 41-year wait for regional silverware when they face Rayon Sports in Friday’s Cecafa Kagame Cup final.
K’Ogalo booked their place in the title decider after overcoming Sudanese giants Al Hilal 8-7 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in a tense Kigali semi-final on Tuesday. They will now face host team Rayon Sports at the Amahoro Stadium, aiming to lift their first Cecafa crown since 1985.
Akonnor acknowledged that Gor’s route to the final was far from straightforward, but insisted the squad’s difficult moments have only strengthened them.
“We are very pleased that after all these difficult moments, we were able to get to the final,” Akonnor said.
Gor opened their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over APR before suffering a 1-0 defeat against Vipers SC. They recovered to beat Garde Républicaine 1-0, finishing top of Group A on goal difference.
Against Al Hilal, they were forced to play the entirety of extra time with 10 men following Jackson Dwang’s red card, before goalkeeper Byrne Omondi converted the decisive spot-kick in a marathon shootout.
Akonnor believes these high-pressure experiences will help his side approach the final with greater maturity.
“We want to improve on how we’ve played in our recent matches. We see an improved team, which is vital because the opponent is also a very good side,” he said.
Rayon are expected to enjoy strong home support after reaching the final with a 3-1 win over South Sudan’s Jamus SC. However, Akonnor insists Gor have thoroughly analysed their opponents.
“They are a very good team, but they also have weaknesses,” the Ghanaian tactician noted. “We know their approach in the next match will be different because they lost [previously]. They didn’t do well, but we are prepared as a team.”
The final will test Gor’s squad depth following injuries to captain Sylvester Owino, Samuel Kapen and Patrick Essombe, alongside Dwang’s suspension. Nevertheless, Akonnor remains confident in his available options.
“We know our strength and we know what we can do to disrupt their rhythm,” he said.
The head coach has also worked to shield his players from outside criticism following their group-stage loss to Vipers.
“Negativity is part of the game. Sometimes you see these things and you have to deal with them,” Akonnor said, emphasising his role in protecting the squad. “I am the head of everything, which means I have to cover my players and let them play freely.”
Assistant captain Mike Kibwage, who scored in the opening 5-0 win over APR, echoed his coach’s focus, stressing that the team has put previous results behind them.
“We were very happy about our previous game but you are only as good as your next match,” Kibwage said.
The defender noted that the tournament has served as a crucial bonding experience for Akonnor’s revamped squad ahead of the new domestic season and their upcoming CAF Champions League campaign.
“This tournament is bringing us together,” Kibwage added. “We have new players and these high-stakes moments help us bond ahead of our upcoming CAF fixtures. We are ready for the game and will approach it with the utmost seriousness.”
Akonnor understands that reaching the final is not enough, stressing the importance of rewarding the traveling fans.
“If supporters drive 24 hours to back you and you lose, it’s deeply disappointing,” Akonnor said. “The best way to repay them is to perform well and win.”
