Coach positive as Gor Mahia faces Egyptian giants Pyramids

Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor admits the club faces a massive test in the opening round of the Caf Champions League, but insists that K’Ogalo can upset Egyptian champions Pyramids with meticulous preparation and mental toughness.

The Kenyan champions face one of Africa’s toughest sides, hosting the first leg between September 4 and 6 before traveling to Egypt for the return match between September 11 and 13.

The draw raised questions about Gor’s chances of advancing, but Akonnor believes football can produce surprises if players remain disciplined and refuse to be intimidated by the stature, resources, and pedigree of their rivals.

“On paper, it looks as if our journey   ended even before the game, but in football, anything is possible. We have to prepare well and see how we can compete against them,” Akonnor said.

Pyramids are the reigning Egyptian champions and have established themselves among the continent’s elite after breaking the traditional dominance of giants Al Ahly and Zamalek.

Also Read: Cecafa final run boosts Gor Mahia CAF Champions League dream

Their rise has been particularly impressive in recent seasons, with the club winning the CAF Champions League in the 2024/25 campaign after defeating some of the continent’s biggest names along the way. They were, however, eliminated in the quarter-finals last season by eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Determined to reclaim the crown, Pyramids have hired South African coach Rulani Mokwena, adding another layer of experience and tactical sophistication to an already formidable squad.

Also Read: Coach Akonnor upbeat as Gor Mahia chase title in Kigali

For Akonnor, the financial gulf between the two clubs makes the assignment even more difficult.

“It is interesting what has been done by Caf, but what can we do? We shall compete. In football, anything is possible. Pyramids are paying salaries of up to $50,000 (about Sh6.5 million) per month per player, while our best player earns less than $5,000 (Sh646,000). The difference is huge in terms of budget and the playing unit,” said the coach.

Gor Mahia will have to rely heavily on teamwork, organisation, discipline, and the backing of their passionate supporters, said the coach.

Akonnor is also aware that expectations are enormous. Gor Mahia supporters traditionally demand victories, but the Ghanaian tactician has urged them to appreciate the quality of the opposition and remain realistic.

“We can’t compare ourselves with them, but football is different. Our fans sometimes get annoyed when we lose because the language here is always about winning. But on this, they should understand this is a match between teams on different levels,” he said.

Last season, Kenya was represented  in the Champions League by Kenya Police, who failed to reach the group stage.

K’Ogalo have set their sights on making a return to the tournament’s group phase—a feat that would not only provide a major financial boost but also restore the club’s continental profile.

Gor’s last appearance in a group stage of a Caf competition came during the 2018/19 CAF Confederation Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals before their defeat by Morocco’s RS Berkane.

The stakes are immense: every participating club in the 2026/27 competition is guaranteed $100,000 (Sh12.93 million) in solidarity funding, while the eventual winners are set to pocket $6 million ( Sh776.1 million).

Pressure will be hight, particularly after Gor’s lost the Cecafa Kagame Cup final on Friday to Rwanda’s Rayon Sports.

Akonnor says the Cecafa experience will be crucial for them in their Champions League campaign. “We can’t do anything about the draw,  but the format raises questions. We have to focus on our preparations and see how it unfolds,” Akonnor noted.

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