Coach Akonnor: We are determined to get good results

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has challenged his players to maintain their winning momentum when they face APS Bomet in their second SportPesa League fixture of the season at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay tomorrow. K’Ogalo head into the encounter aiming to collect all three points and maintain perfect start to the new campaign after opening the season with an impressive victory over Murang’a Seal. However, Akonnor has warned his charges against underestimating APS Bomet, insisting that their opponents have a tactically astute coach who has demonstrated his ability to guide the team through difficult moments. Akonnor acknowledged the challenge posed by APS Bomet, saying: “Well, first you need to assess the opponent very well. They have a coach who understands the game deeply and knows what to do at every given time. He worked so hard last season to get them out of trouble. In the last 10 games before the season came to an end, he was the best manager.” Akonnor also acknowledged the APS Bomet task as heavy as he said that aggressiveness and ball possession will help in overcoming APS “It is a big task for us, but we can achieve success if we work aggressively and maintain our momentum by keeping the ball and progressing into the opponent’s half. That will be our way of approaching tomorrow’s game. We are determined to get a good result tomorrow.” The Ghanaian tactician’s remarks underline the importance of tactical discipline and sustained pressure as Gor Mahia seek to build on their opening-day performance. With the team eager to establish itself at the top end of the standings early in the campaign, Akonnor will be looking for his players to dominate possession, move the ball efficiently and consistently threaten the APS Bomet defence. The match will also provide another opportunity for Gor Mahia’s attacking players to build on their promising start, with Sharif Musa expected to attract attention following his brace against Murang’a Seal. Akonnor also addressed the defensive concerns from the opening match, despite praising the team’s attacking display. “We will have to see to it and rectify those mistakes and improve. But what was positive was that we scored four goals. It is an impressive performance that needs encouragement. We will look at the two goals we conceded and see how we can prevent them in the near future.” The coach’s assessment reflects a balanced approach, with Gor Mahia seeking to preserve their attacking threat while tightening their defence ahead of the Homa Bay showdown. Although scoring four goals in the season opener was an encouraging sign, conceding twice will give the technical bench areas to address before facing an APS Bomet side that could prove difficult to break down. For the K’Ogalo, the objective will be clear: secure another victory, maintain their early-season momentum and continue laying the foundation for another title challenge. Gor Mahia’s ability to control possession, convert their chances and eliminate defensive lapses could prove decisive as they pursue maximum points against APS Bomet. With Akonnor acknowledging the quality of the opposing coach, K’Ogalo will need to combine attacking ambition with defensive concentration if they are to leave Raila Odinga Stadium with all three points.