Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has warned his players they cannot afford to repeat their defensive lapses when they face Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League.
The Kenyan champions welcome Pyramids to Nyayo Stadium on September 6 in the first leg of their first preliminary-round tie before travelling to Cairo for the return fixture a week later.
Akonnor’s warning comes after Gor Mahia’s defensive weaknesses were exposed in their 3-1 defeat to Tusker in the FKF Super Cup, with the Ghanaian demanding greater concentration against a far more formidable opponent.
“We have to correct these silly mistakes because at this level, you cannot afford to give your opponents easy chances,” Akonnor said.
Pyramids have established themselves as a major force in Egyptian and African football, making defensive discipline particularly important for Gor Mahia if they are to remain competitive across the two legs.
Akonnor is also dealing with several injuries ahead of the tie, with captain Sylvester Owino, Lawrence Juma, Samuel Kapen, Patrick Essombe and Felix Oluoch among those unavailable or doubtful.
The coach, however, insists the absences cannot become an excuse.
“We have players who are injured, but we must find solutions with the players who are available,” he said.
Gor Mahia have strengthened their squad with several additions, including goalkeepers Humphrey Katasi and Michael Onyango, midfielders Eno Machaka and Wesley Oteno, and defender Daniel Zakari.
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