Gor Mahia’s coach, Charles Akonnor, was left fuming after his team suffered a humiliating 7-1 aggregate loss to Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in Cairo on Sunday in the CAF Champions League.
The Ghanaian has blamed the huge loss by the 22-time Kenyan champions on a string of individual errors by under-performing players.
Gor Mahia bowed out 7-1 on aggregate after another poor showing at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday, where their defensive frailties were ruthlessly punished by the Egyptian side.
The Egyptian giants scored their goals through Walid Karti, Nasser Maher, Youssef Ibrahim Obama, Mostafa Abdel and Mahmoud Hafiz. Striker David Okoth netted Gor Mahia’s consolation, yet coach Akonnor was seething with rage at full-time.
Gor Mahia's Patrick Essombe shields the ball from Mohanad Lashin of Pyramid FC during the first leg of their Caf Champions League preliminary round match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on September 6, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Akonnor, who had previously challenged his players to produce a better display after losing the first leg 2-0 at home, was particularly disappointed by the manner in which Gor Mahia conceded four of the five goals their opponents scored in Cairo.
The Ghanaian tactician said the mistakes his players made were unacceptable at the continental level, especially coming from experienced players who are expected to provide leadership when the pressure is highest.
“To be honest, I am really upset with the individual errors that we have made. We gave them four goals as a result of individual mistakes and at this level, you don’t make such mistakes. It’s unacceptable, even at the time we were really pushing,” Akonnor said after the match.
His frustration was understandable as Gor Mahia struggled to cope with Pyramids’ attacking pressure and repeatedly gifted the hosts opportunities through lapses in concentration.
The turning point came in the 38th minute when a defensive mistake allowed Pyramids to double their advantage on the night. Gor Mahia were unable to recover before another error just before half-time left them with an even bigger mountain to climb.
Although the visitors showed greater urgency after the break and enjoyed periods of pressure, their improved performance was undermined by another defensive blunder that handed Pyramids a third goal.
The Egyptian side then took advantage of Gor Mahia’s vulnerability to complete a convincing victory and send the Kenyan champions crashing out of the competition.
Akonnor did not spare some of his most experienced players the blame. He questioned how some senior members of the squad could commit basic mistakes on such an important continental stage.
Gor Mahia's David Okoth steals the ball from Mohamoud Saber of Pyramid FC during the first leg of their Caf Champions League preliminary round match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on September 6, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“I am really upset with some of the guys you even rely on as team players, some senior players who are national players. You don’t expect them to make such mistakes and it’s really bad. It’s not acceptable,” he said.
The coach specifically pointed to goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, defender Frank Odhiambo and centre-back John Mark Kibwage as being involved in costly errors.
“Look at the mistakes, Kibwage, Frank and the goalkeeper made. These are big errors that you believe big players at a different level should know,” said Akonnor.
The defeat was particularly damaging because Gor Mahia had gone into the second leg needing to overturn a two-goal deficit but instead found themselves overwhelmed by a Pyramids side that punished almost every defensive lapse.
Akonnor admitted he rarely singles out individual players for public criticism, but he felt the circumstances in Cairo made it difficult for him to remain silent.
“I am really upset and I am not the type of person who talks about players but today it was clear for everybody to see,” he added.
For Gor Mahia, the result brings their continental campaign to an abrupt end and exposes the work Akonnor still has to do in strengthening the team ahead of the domestic season.
The coach must now rebuild his players’ confidence as their focus shifts to domestic competitions with Football Kenya Federation Premier League set to kick off on September 19.
