Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has explained the tactics employed to secure victory over Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman, which sealed qualification to the CECAFA Kagame Cup for the first time since 2015.
The Kenyan giants qualified for the finals following an 8-7 win in post-match penalties over the Sudanese outfit after a 1-1 draw in both regular and extra time.
K’Ogalo’s win was a massive statement considering their opponents reached the quarter-finals of last season’s CAF Champions League (CAFCL), with the Kenyan giants finishing the match with 10 men after Jackson Dwang’ was red-carded for two bookable offences.Speaking after booking the first spot in the upcoming final, the elated Akonnor opened up on his tactics.
“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,” said Akonnor.
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According to the former Black Stars tactician, the team showed character befitting of the responsibility of carrying a nation’s pride.“It functioned very well. As a result of that, we even had chances to score, especially in the second half. So I am just proud of these boys, and they were also aware that not only were they playing for Gor Mahia, but the entire nation; they represent Kenya in this situation,” he added.
Gor Mahia will now face Rwandan giants Rayon Sports in the final slated for Friday, 7 August at the Amahoro Stadium, where the winner will pocket USD30,000 (approximately Ksh3.87 million) while the runners-up will be USD20,000 (approximately Ksh2.58 million) richer.