Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akannor (right) instructs winger Musa Shariff during their FKF Premier League match against Kariobangi Sharks at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi on March 4, 2026.
“The only way to beat them is to prevent them from passing the ball. Their strength is in passing the ball,” says Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor.
This is part of the strategy the Ghanaian coach will deploy to try and secure a win against Egyptian giants Pyramids in their CAF Champions League first qualifying round, first leg match at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday from 3pm
The odds are heavily stacked against Gor, who have never eliminated an Egyptian team in the history of the competition.
In eight match-ups dating back to 1969, Egyptian sides have always carried the day against Gor Mahia sides.
Speaking to Nation Sport yesterday, Akonnor said he wants to win the game 2-0 then employ all the tactics available in football to prevail in the return leg next weekend.
Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor kisses the Football Kenya Federation Premier League trophy at Nyayo National Stadium on May 31, 2026.
“This is a game of tactics and just like Migori Youth can beat Gor here, Gor can also beat Pyramids who are much above us in all aspects including the financial muscle,” said the 52-year-old former black Stars international and coach.
The coach revealed he has instructed his players to work on possessing the ball and quickly gaining possession when they lose the ball.
There is little expectation from the Green Army of the mighty Gor Mahia, who have won a record 22 Kenyan league titles, beating Pyramids. Akonnor acknowledges the Egyptian outfit are at a different level.
Pyramids, who won their maiden Champions League crown in 2025, have in recent times eclipsed the two traditional Egyptian football powerhouses Zamalek and Al Ahly.
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akannor celebrates his team's win over AFC Leopards in an FKF Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on April 26, 2026.
Pyramids were knocked out at the quarter-final stage last season by the eventual winners Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.
In response, Pyramids hired South African coach Rulani Mokwena, the 2023 African Football League winner with Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Look at this, they are coming here in a chartered flight while we always connect flights in continental assignments. They are comfortable, they pay the best salaries and their budget is huge but we are not afraid of them.
“I have told my players this is a game of their lives and it is as if we are playing in the Africa Cup of Nations. That game will get them suitors and exposure since the whole continent will be watching. This is a chance they must take to stand out, perform well,” said Akonnor.
Regular tickets for the match will retail at Sh300, VIP Sh1,500 and VVIP Sh3,000.
The winners of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League will pocket a cool $6 million (about Sh776.1 million), while every participating club will be paid $100,000 (Sh12.93 million) by the continental football governing body.
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