Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has praised his players for their discipline, resilience and tactical intelligence after K'Ogalo overcame Sudanese giants Al Hilal to book a place in the CECAFA Kagame Cup final for the first time in 11 years.The Kenyan champions battled to a 1-1 draw after extra time despite playing with 10 men before holding their nerve to claim an 8-7 victory in a dramatic penalty shootout, setting up Friday's final at Amahoro Stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878705##Speaking after the match, the Ghanaian tactician said the victory was a reward for a game plan that his players executed almost to perfection against one of Africa's most experienced clubs.Akonnor explained that Gor Mahia had prepared specifically to stop Al Hilal from playing their usual attacking football, and he was delighted with how his side frustrated the Sudanese outfit throughout the contest."The feeling is very good. We were very sound tactically. We made these boys aware of the things they have to do tactically, and I think we deployed it very, very well. Positively, we didn't allow them to play as they wanted. We made it difficult for them. They could deploy the attack okay, but once they got to a certain area, they were not allowed to play," Akonnor said.Millions Gor Mahia stand to bank by winning CECAFA Kagame Cup after 41 yearsThe former Ghana national team coach was particularly pleased that Gor Mahia not only contained Al Hilal but also created enough opportunities to win the match before it went to penalties.He added that his players showed they understood the magnitude of representing Kenya on the regional stage."It functioned very well. As a result of that, we had even chances to score, especially in the second half. So I'm just proud of these boys. They were also aware that not only were they playing for Gor Mahia but the entire nation. They represent Kenya in this situation."Beldine Odemba reveals three lessons learned from WAFCONAkonnor reserved special praise for his team's fighting spirit after they were reduced to 10 men, insisting their determination and attitude reflected the qualities of a championship-winning side."At the time when we went down by one man, they showed character, a good attitude on the field of play, and we are very, very happy with how they played. And now we are in the final. That is a very good sign of a good team."Beyond reaching the final, Akonnor believes the performance provided an encouraging indication of Gor Mahia's readiness for the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in the CAF Champions League.Partizan give up on Ouma in a surprising twistAccording to the coach, matching Al Hilal's intensity and denying the Sudanese heavyweights the opportunity to dominate the game proved that Gor Mahia are making significant progress."We know that we have a bigger competition coming ahead of us. If we're able to test ourselves and do well against the likes of Al Hilal, who are a big team in Africa, and stop them from functioning very well, then we've achieved something."Although he acknowledged there is still room for improvement, Akonnor insisted the display had given him confidence in the team's direction.South African Ntabeni Dukisa reflects on transitioning from player to coach at Kabras"Even if we had lost two penalties today, I'd still be proud of them because they did exactly what we wanted them to do. They showed great character, and we believe that going forward things will be okay. We will have to improve anyway, but honestly I'm proud of them. I'm sure Kenya is also proud of them, and we're happy for them."Gor Mahia will now shift their focus to Friday's final, where they will take on Rayon Sports.Harambee Starlets duo issue postmortem after disappointing WAFCON outing
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