'We Don’t Have Any Excuse'- Gor Mahia Coach Reacts To Painful Defeat Against AFC Leopards

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has made shocking remarks regarding his team's lack of aggression following a painful defeat in the country's biggest football fixture. 

The Ghanaian tactician offered a heartfelt apology to the Green Army after watching his side stumble to a 1-0 loss against eternal rivals AFC Leopards in the 98th instalment of the “Mashemeji” derby. 

The high-stakes Football Kenya Federation Premier League match, played at a packed Nyayo National Stadium on December 7, 2025, saw the bragging rights swing firmly to the blue side of the divide.

In a match characterized by high tension and an electric atmosphere, it was AFC Leopards who capitalized on the occasion to claim a vital win. 

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The defining moment arrived in the 25th minute when forward Julius Masaba reacted quickest to a rebound inside the box. Gor’s goalkeeper, Byrne Odhiambo, had punched away a stinging shot from Tyson Odhiambo, only for Masaba to slot home what would ultimately be the match-winner. 

The result was a bitter pill to swallow for K’Ogalo compounding a recent run of poor form. The loss comes hot on the heels of a disastrous 4-1 capitulation against newcomers APS Bomet, raising serious questions about the team's current trajectory. 

Consequently, K’Ogalo missed a golden opportunity to reclaim the summit of the 18-team league table. They now remain in second place with 19 points from 10 matches, trailing Kenya Police by a single point, while AFC Leopards climbed to sixth position with 17 points.

“I am deeply sorry that we lost because this match meant a lot to me as a coach in my career,” said Akonnor in a post match interview.

“The fact that we have lost, we don’t have any excuse. This is a match that meant a lot to both teams. In order to move on and be better, we have to try and win our next matches.”

The former captain of Ghana’s national football team did not mince his words when diagnosing the root cause of the defeat, pointing to a midfield that failed to control the game. 

According to the tactician, the team failed to adhere to their identity of possession and aggression, allowing their opponents to dictate the tempo of the game and win crucial duels.

“They are not aggressive enough to win the balls, and that is creating a lot of problems for us. What is important is for us to be aggressive, keep the ball and win. That is our style of play, and we don’t seem to be doing it,” he added.

The match held extra significance as it was the first derby played since the demise of Gor Mahia’s former patron, the late Raila Odinga, on October 15. 

In a moving tribute, K’Ogalo players stepped onto the pitch wearing t-shirts emblazoned with his image, and a minute of silence was observed before kick-off. 

Despite the emotional weight of the occasion, the statistics shifted slightly in favor of the victor and with this win, Leopards have now triumphed in 29 editions of the derby, while Gor remain on 33 wins, with 36 meetings ending in draws.