Gor rally behind Akonnor after CAF Champions League exit

Gor Mahia have thrown their weight behind head coach Charles Akonnor despite a humiliating exit from the CAF Champions League following a heavy 7-1 aggregate drubbing by Egyptian giants Pyramids FC earlier this month.

The record Kenyan Premier League champions exited the 2026/27 CAF Champions League in the first preliminary round after a 7-1 aggregate defeat to Egyptian side who won 2-0 in Nairobi and 5-1 in Cairo.

Club Secretary General Nicannor Arum has pointed out that Akonnor recently guided the club to a league title and a run to the regional finals, where they lost to Rwandan side Rayon Sports.

“I don’t see any reason why the coach should be blamed for the CAF exit. He won us the league and also took us to the regional finals. We are confident Akonnor will take Gor places,’’ said Arum.

While a vocal section of Gor Mahia fans has called for the coach's dismissal following the early continental exit, the tough-talking club administrator insisted that Akonnor needs time.

He argued that unlike Pyramids FC's well-established squad, Akonnor had limited competitive exposure with his players prior to the tournament.

“Look at what is happening in Kenya now. There isn’t much action compared to Egypt where football is the norm. We need to give him time before we can start blaming the technical bench over petty issues,’’ added Arum.

The defeat has left a bitter taste in Akonnor's mouth, with the coach hinting after the match that certain players may have been compromised during the loss to Pyramids.

Tensions at the club remain high, as several squad members have reportedly been sidelined on disciplinary grounds following the result.

Meanwhile, Arum expressed growing concern over delays to the domestic campaign, stating that the continuous postponement of the league restart is becoming financially unsustainable for community-run clubs and frustrates sponsors.

“The sponsors are paying players who are now idle. They need value for their money. You cannot continue paying people who are not working’’.

Arum revealed that Gor Mahia suffered direct financial losses when a late court order halted the league just hours before their scheduled opener, forcing them to forfeit stadium hire fees and preparation costs.

“The court order that suspended the league to me was a result of some malicious characters who do not want the league to restart. How can you suspend the league the night before the scheduled date? It is expensive for some clubs, added Arum.

He called for urgent dialogue among the warring stakeholders to reach an amicable solution and allow the league to resume without further delay.