Why Akonnor believes Gor Mahia can overturn 2-0 deficit against Pyramids in Cairo

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor insists the CAF Champions League tie against Pyramids FC is far from over despite Sunday's 2-0 first-leg defeat at the Nyayo National Stadium.The Kenyan champions were punished by two first-half goals from Walid El Karti and Mahmoud Saber as the Egyptian side secured a commanding advantage ahead of next Sunday's return leg in Cairo.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936477##However, Akonnor remains convinced Gor Mahia have a chance to overturn the deficit if they execute their game plan better in the second leg.“We have to accept it in good faith, go into the next game and believe that if we do the right things at the right moment, there's always a chance for us,” Akonnor said after the match.The Ghanaian coach acknowledged that Pyramids' greater experience and match sharpness played a role in the result. The Egyptian champions had already played four competitive matches before arriving in Nairobi, while Gor Mahia are yet to play an official league fixture this season.Gor Mahia wipe away CAF Champions League defeat to Egyptian giants with millions of shillingsAkonnor admitted he would have preferred his side to have had several competitive matches under their belt before facing Pyramids but refused to use the lack of match fitness as an excuse.“Pyramids have played three games in their league. We would have wished that we had played three or four matches in the league before this approach. Unfortunately, that's not the case, and it is not an excuse.It just gives you team spirit and momentum, and we haven't had that. And the best team were smart, not because they played so much better, but because they were smarter than us.”Gor Mahia’s Champions League dream on life support after loss to Egyptian giantsPyramids' experience was evident as they punished Gor Mahia's mistakes and then managed the game effectively after establishing their two-goal cushion.“They were experienced. They have a lot of national players in their team. They've played in their league. They've played four matches. They've not lost anything. So they are a good side,” Akonnor added.Despite the setback, Akonnor believes Gor Mahia can deliver a much-improved performance in Cairo and give themselves a chance to complete a remarkable comeback.The return leg is scheduled for next Sunday in Cairo, with Gor Mahia needing to score at least twice without conceding to take the tie into a decisive phase.KCB hold firm to humble fierce rivals and claim Embu Sevens title