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Gor Mahia: Charles Akonnor Explains Why Bandari Draw Puts K'Ogalo Back on the Right Track

Charles Akonnor
Charles Akonnor.© Gor Mahia
Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor believes the 1-1 draw against Bandari shows encouraging signs for the team's recovery.
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Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has praised his players for a courageous and spirited performance in their 1-1 draw against Bandari FC at the Mbaraki Sports Complex in Mombasa.

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The result comes after a difficult period for the record champions, which began with a surprising 4-1 defeat to newly promoted APS Bomet, followed by a narrow 1-0 loss to arch-rivals AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby.

While the draw against Bandari extended Gor Mahia’s winless run to three matches, Charles Akonnor remains optimistic, insisting that the team’s recent performance shows signs that they are gradually finding their rhythm and moving in the right direction.

Charles Akonnor: But 1-1 is a Way to Start

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Speaking after the match, Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor acknowledged that the team’s intensity dropped in the second half of their 1-1 draw against Bandari, explaining that the players did not sustain the energy levels he had hoped for.

He suggested that the change in weather conditions likely played a role in the slowdown, but he praised the squad for showing resilience and composure in the face of the challenges.

Charles Akonnor highlighted that, while the second half was not as sharp as the first, the team still managed to execute key aspects of their game plan. Overall, he felt their performance reflected determination and promise as they look to recover from a difficult run of results.

“In the second half, we dropped off in the way we performed. There was not enough energy as we believed we would. Obviously, I'm sure the change of weather was also a no-brainer. But in all fairness, we did well in the second half,” he said.

Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor reflected on their 1-1 draw against Bandari, noting that the team created several opportunities, including a late chance to score.

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He admitted that the players were not able to perform at their usual rhythm, but he emphasised that the draw represented a positive step after two consecutive defeats.

Charles Akonnor described the result as a solid platform to build on, stressing the importance of analysing the match before turning attention to their next opponent.

He expressed optimism, highlighting that breaking the losing streak was a key morale boost and that the team is determined to carry that momentum into future games.

“We created some chances. In the last few minutes, there was a chance for us to score. But we couldn't play a normal game, obviously, because of the faith. But 1-1 is a way to start. Don't forget... last two matches we lost, so it's a good way to start,” he added.

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“We have to process today's match, and then we will think of the next opponent. Now, tomorrow, we start thinking of the next opponent. So I said, it's a good start. We lost in the last two matches bitterly, and today it has stopped, and so it's a very good start, and we bid on this to the next game.”

Gor Mahia's next match is a Kenyan Premier League clash against Kakamega Homeboyz on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, which will be played at home.

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