Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has identified defensive discipline and solidity in midfield as key ingredients if the defending league champions are to overturn their first-leg deficit against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.K’Ogalo head for the return leg carrying a 2-0 deficit from the opening encounter at Nyayo Stadium, with Akonnor’s charges needing a near-perfect performance to keep their continental campaign alive and secure passage to the second preliminary round.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsSpeaking ahead of the decisive clash, Akonnor acknowledged the quality of their opponents but remained optimistic that Gor Mahia can produce the required comeback if they execute their game plan effectively.“Training has been good, and the corrections we have made are heading into the return leg. They are a smart team who, when given a chance, can dominate, and the least mistake you make gets you punished.It’s all about the mindset. Hopefully, we have fewer mistakes and are compact in the midfield in terms of counter-pressing and such. Then there is a good chance for us to make a comeback,” he stated.##NAJAVA_MECA_9952670##Pyramids established a strong advantage in the first leg at Nyayo Stadium, with Walid El Karti breaking the deadlock in the fifth minute before Mahmoud Saber doubled the visitors’ lead on the stroke of halftime.The 2025 CAFCL winners now head into the return encounter with the upper hand and only need to avoid defeat by more than one goal to advance to the next stage.For Gor Mahia, however, the equation is considerably more demanding. Former Gor Mahia forward Lwasa finds new home in AngolaThe record league champions must score at least three times without conceding if they are to complete the comeback and progress on aggregate.Akonnor’s emphasis on cutting out mistakes will therefore be crucial, with Pyramids having demonstrated in Nairobi their ability to punish defensive lapses and control periods of the game when afforded space.Gor will also need to improve their midfield organisation, particularly when pressing and attempting to win possession high up the pitch, while maintaining the attacking intensity required to breach a Pyramids defence that kept a clean sheet in the first leg.Gor Mahia forward part of FKFPL trio selected in Uganda Cranes squad for AFCON qualifiersThe return leg consequently presents K’Ogalo with a stern test of character, mentality and tactical discipline as they attempt to keep their Champions League dream alive.Should Gor Mahia overturn the deficit and qualify, they will face the winner of the preliminary-round tie between El Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan and Heegan SC of Somalia in the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.